By Mary Whitfill, editor-in-chief
On Monday afternoon, Robin Williams, actor and comedian, was found dead at his home in Tiburon, Calif. A statement issued by the police department in Marin County, Calif. suggests that the death was an apparent suicide by asphyxia. His publicist, Mara Buxbaum, confirmed that Williams had been suffering from depression.
Williams was best known for his roles in popular films such as “Dead Poets Society,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Jumanji,” “Aladdin” and “Good Will Hunting,” for which he won the supporting actor Oscar. Most recently, he stared in the CBS comedy “The Crazy Ones” along side Sarah Michelle Gellar.
In addition to his Oscar, William’s was the recipient of four Grammy Awards and two Emmy Awards for “Carol, Carl, Whoopi and Robin” and “ABC Presents a Royal Gala.”
Two of Williams’s most recent works are in post production, “Merry Friggin’ Christmas” and “Absolutely Anything,” in which he voiced Dennis the Dog. “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb,” the third film in which he was slated to play Teddy Roosevelt, is currently filming, and the sequel to “Mrs. Doubtfire,” had yet to begin production.
Williams got his start in improv comedy at open-mike nights after graduating from Claremont Men’s College and spending time at The Julliard School in New York. His first major role came from “Happy Days,” where he guest stared in 1978 and sparked spinoff series “Mork & Mindy.”
In 2004, Williams was awarded the Chicago International Film Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Following his death, his wife, Susan Schneider, released the following 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.”
Photo courtesy Eva Rinaldi, Creative Commons.
