Legendary actor, comedian and entertainer Robin Williams has died age 63. The star of films like Mrs Doubtfire and Aladdin, Williams was found dead in his California home with authorities treating his death as suicide by asphyxia.
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Williams had been battling recurring depression, alongside relapses into drug and alcohol abuse with his most recent return to rehab taking place last month.
In a statement released by his publicist, the actor’s wife Susan Schneider said she had “lost my husband and best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken.”
“As he is remembered”, she continued, “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 Williams died this morning, his publicist confirms. Statement from his wife Susan Schneider: pic.twitter.com/YS0WbTd3oO
— Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) August 11, 2014
The White House meanwhile issued a release from President Barack Obama which said, “Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien – but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit.”
Williams’ passing has seen an outpouring of grief on Twitter from celebrities and ordinary fans alike:
Robin Williams has died and I am very sad. From every comedian here at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, we salute him & we say goodbye
— Eddie Izzard (@eddieizzard) August 11, 2014
I can't believe my lovely friend is gone. My heart goes out to his wife and his beloved children. He brought us so much joy and laughter.
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) August 11, 2014
What a sad day. Shocking loss of Robin Williams. A brilliant talent and a gentle man. May his memory LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) August 12, 2014
A tweet cannot begin to describe the hugeness of Robin Williams heart and soul and talent. This is so sad. #RobinWilliams
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) August 12, 2014
When I was 18 I got a job as an intern at Comic Relief just to be near him. A genius and a truly kind man who made the world a better place.
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) August 12, 2014
Very sad, very upset, very glad I did not have to hear about this though Twitter. Probably going to be taking some time off it for a while.
— Mara Wilson (@MaraWritesStuff) August 11, 2014
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
No no no! I don't want waking up and see such news… Good night, Robin. And thank you that you've been in my life :_( #RIPRobinWilliams
— Olya (@striped_mouse) August 12, 2014
Is it crazy to say that NYC seems darker tonight? Thank you Captain, my Captain. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Seth Rogin (@thesethrogin) August 12, 2014
#RIPRobinWilliams you put so many smiles on our faces. And happiness in our hearts. You will be truly… http://t.co/3ORatUmkRH
— K'reema (@KareemaMusic) August 12, 2014
Brain chemistry can be so terrible sometimes. Robin Williams had every single reason to live.
— Alexia Tsotsis (@alexia) August 12, 2014
"You're only given a little spark of madness, you mustn't lose it." – Robin Williams #RIPRobinWilliams pic.twitter.com/xrCpah2mxx
— brittany weatherby (@brittweatherby) August 12, 2014
Today, the laughter died and millions of hearts shattered. #RIPRobinWilliams
— AnthonyLawlor (@AnthonyLawlor) August 12, 2014
A memorial for Robin Williams at the "Good Will Hunting" bench in the Boston Public Garden. (pic @rabbitnutz) pic.twitter.com/NzYFf43OYu
— BostonTweet (@BostonTweet) August 12, 2014
Williams was scheduled to begin work on a sequel to Mrs Doubtfire later this year.
Image: Eva Rinaldi via Wikipedia.
