“Tears of a clown”. Get ready to hear that quote a thousand times in reference to Robin Williams if you haven’t already. Something to consider:
I heard a joke once:
Man goes to doctor. Says he’s depressed. Says life is harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world.
Doctor says, “Treatment is simple. The great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go see him. That should pick you up.”
Man bursts into tears. Says, “But doctor… I am Pagliacci.”
In the comic and movie adaptation of the Watchmen, the aptly named Rorschach delivers some psychological insight through that short story with the above quote.