Stand-up comic and actor Robin Williams has died of an apparent suicide at the age of 63. His body was found at his home in Tiburon, CA, and the Marin County coroner is attributing his death to suicide by asphyxiation. While his rep did not specifically confirm that the frenetic, often self-deprecating, hyper-wit comedian committed suicide, a released statement does suggest as much:
“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.”
While Robin Williams, in more recent years, had seemingly gotten lost in the wastelands of kiddie flicks (Night In The Museum 1, 2, and 3), sitcoms and voiceover work, he also appeared on Louis CK’s Louie and was working on a sequel to his 1993 hit movie, Mrs. Doubtfire. Robin won a much-deserved Oscar for his incredible performance in Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s Good Will Hunting, but if you ever have the chance…I strongly suggest taking a trip down New York City memory lane by renting another Robin Williams’ classic, Moscow On The Hudson.
And while I know I’m an odd bird, I also have to say I was always a huge fan of Robin’s first TV sitcom, Mork and Mindy. In hindsight, it was a totally bizarro show that would never survive today….Mork was a loveable alien (who first appeared on Happy Days with The Fonz), Mindy was his human girlfriend, and Jonathan Winters was Mearth, their son who was pre-Benjamin Buttons….meaning, he was born an old man and was aging backwards. Amazing.
Do the knowledge if you’re really about that TV history life. Robin Williams made us laugh, and he was known for this very wacky blend of norm-core and fashion-forward style….but he always struck me as a tortured soul…brilliant and funny, yet schizophrenic and uneasy. Hopefully, he’s at rest now.
His 3rd wife, graphic designer Susan Schneider, sent a written message to CNN:
“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.”
“There will never be another like him,” said CNN’s Don Lemon on Monday.
Williams’s last social media message was a birthday tweet to his daughter, Zelda Rae Williams, who turned 25 on July 31.
Robin Williams was an incredible actor who will be missed.
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