Robin Williams Found Dead At 63 Of Apparent Suicide, ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ Comedian and Actor Death Mourned By Wife, 3 Children, Celebrities, and Fans [REACTIONS]
Robin Williams, legendary actor of stage and screen, was found dead Monday morning at his home in Tiburon, California, according to police reports. The "Good Will Hunting" actor was 63.
Variety has reported that "the cause of death is believed to be suicide via asphyxiation, according to the coroner's office."
According to Mara Buxbaum, the press representative of the late comedian, "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," the publicist continued in her statement posted on Twitter.
Robin Williams leaves behind his mourning wife, Susan Schneider.
"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," said his widow and third wife in a statement.
Williams also leaves behind his three children from different marriages. Eldest son Zachary Pym, from Robin's first marriage to Valerie Velardi, is 31. While his other children, 25-year-old Zelda Rae and 22-year-old Cody Alan, are children from his second marriage to Marsha Garces.
The "Mork & Mindy" star had also recently began a 12-step rehab stint for drug abuse, according to Variety.
The shocking news has left fans at a loss for words, especially those who are familiar with Williams' past struggles with addiction. In the 1970s and 1980s, Robin Williams struggled with an addiction to cocaine. Nearly 30 years later, on August 9, 2006, ABC reported that Robin had checked himself into a rehab center in Oregon after 20 years of sobriety. The "Aladdin" voice actor later admitted he was an alcoholic.
The world is clearly devastated by this sad event, with condolences filling the web from fans across the globe. The "Jumanji" funnyman's 4 decades of work, which earned him one Academy Award, three Emmy Awards, four Golden Globes, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and five Grammy Awards, has touched multiple generations and will continue to flourish for many years to come.
Reactions of Twitter have communicated the level of shock felt by fans around the world. Various celebrities, including Steve Martin, Minnie Driver, Dane Cook, Ellen DeGenres, and George Lopez, have shared their feelings on twitter.
I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul.
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) August 11, 2014
My Heart's broken. Robin was a beautiful, kind soul. Can't bear that he's gone. So incredibly sorry for his family. — Minnie Driver (@driverminnie) August 11, 2014
I'm in utter disbelief that Robin Williams is dead.
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) August 11, 2014
I can’t believe the news about Robin Williams. He gave so much to so many people. I’m heartbroken. — Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 11, 2014
Robin Williams ~ Vaya Con Dios my friend , I love you — George Lopez (@georgelopez) August 11, 2014
Today, the world will mourn an icon.