Robin Williams Dead From Suicide at Age 63
The Oscar winning actor Robin Williams (Good Will, Hunting) was found dead in his home in Marin County, just north of San Francisco, today at age 63.
Robin Williams died from asphyxiating himself.
Robin McLaurin Williams was born on July 21, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois, a great-great-grandson of Mississippi Governor and Senator Anselm J. McLaurin. Robin briefly studied political science, before enrolling at Juilliard School to study theatre. After he left Juilliard, he performed in nightclubs where he was discovered for the role of Mork on an episode of Happy Days (1974) and the subsequent spin-off Mork & Mindy (1978). Robin Williams’ wild comic talent involved a great deal of improvisation, following in the footsteps of his idol Jonathan Winters. Robin Williams had also proven to be an effective dramatic actor and received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Good Will Hunting (1997).
Robin Williams was also nominated for the Best Actor Oscar three times (Good Morning Vietnam, Dead Poet’s Society and The Fisher King).
The movie Mrs. Doubtfire 2 was announced earlier this year as the actor’s next project. The movie had not yet begun production.
The last movie that Robin Williams will appear in on the big screen is Night At The Museum, Christmas 2014.
UPDATE: August 14, 2014
Robin Williams, the beloved comic who committed suicide on Monday, was battling the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, it has been revealed by his widow, Susan Schneider.
In a statement sent to the news media on Thursday, Schneider explains that the star’s sobriety was “intact” at the time of his death, calling him “brave” as he battled depression, anxiety and early stages of the disease.
His diagnosis, Schneider adds, was something Williams was “not yet ready to share publicly.” The actor had struggled for decades with substance abuse and mental-health issues.
She asked that her following statement run in its entirety.
“Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the frontlines, or comforting a sick child — Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid.”
“Since his passing, all of us who loved Robin have found some solace in the tremendous outpouring of affection and admiration for him from the millions of people whose lives he touched. His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles.”
“Robin’s sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson’s Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly.”
It is our hope in the wake of Robin’s tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid.”
Actor Michael J. Fox tweeted Thursday evening that he was “stunned” by the news that Williams had the disease. “Pretty sure his support for our (foundation) predated his diagnosis. A true friend; I wish him peace.” Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991.
