Very sad news. Veteran actor and comedian, Robin Williams, has died at 63 of a suspected suicide. The actor’s publicist reports that a had been battling depression prior to his death.
Here’s the full statement from the Marin County sheriff’s office:
On August 11, 2014, at approximately 11:55 a.m, Marin County Communications received a 9-1-1 telephone call reporting a male adult had been located unconscious and not breathing inside his residence in unincorporated Tiburon, CA. The Sheriff’s Office, as well as the Tiburon Fire Department and Southern Marin Fire Protection District were dispatched to the incident with emergency personnel arriving on scene at 12:00 pm. The male subject, pronounced deceased at 12:02 pm has been identified as Robin McLaurin Williams, a 63-year-old resident of unincorporated Tiburon, CA.
An investigation into the cause, manner, and circumstances of the death is currently underway by the Investigations and Coroner Division s of the Sheriff’s Office. Preliminary information developed during the investigation indicates Mr. Williams was last seen alive at his residence, where he resides with his wife, at approximately 10:00 pm on August 10, 2014. Mr. Williams was located this morning shortly before the 9-1-1 call was placed to Marin County Communications. At this time, the Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division suspects the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia, but a comprehensive investigation must be completed before a final determination is made. A forensic examination is currently scheduled for August 12, 2014 with subsequent toxicology testing to be conducted.
A statement from Robin’s publicist, Mara Buxbaum:
Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.
His wife, Susan Schneider, also released a statement:
This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf of Robin’s family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin’s death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.
Robin, a four-time Oscar nominee, won a supporting actor Oscar for Good Will Hunting. He most recently starred in the CBS comedy, The Crazy Ones, which only lasted a season. He starred in the the feature Angriest Man in Brooklyn, with Mila Kunis, Melissa Leo and Peter Dinklage.
A film star for decades, Robin came to prominence as a stand up comedian, known for his rapid and inventive stream of consciousness routines. He brought that sensibility to the long running (1978-1982) TV sitcom, Mork and Mindy.
Mork and Mindy was a spin off of Happy Days. Here is Mork meeting The Fonz (Henry Winkler)
Robin’s next project is the movie, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, set for theaters December 19.
He recently checked in to a “renewal center” in an effort to maintain his sobriety. Struggles with cocaine and alcohol abuse sent Robin into rehab in the 80s. In 2006, he entered rehab for alcohol abuse.
Robin leaves behind 3 children. Son, Zachary, with first wife Valerie, daughter Zelda and son Cody, with second wife Marsha.
Robin Williams on Idol Gives Back 2008
More iconic clips from comments
Carp Diem Speech from Dead Poets Society
Clips from Good Morning Vietnam
