Oscar-winning actor Robin Williams (Good Will Hunting) has passed away at 63 of an apparent suicide. Williams had been battling severe depression, according to a statement issued by his publicist, and his loss was “tragic and sudden.” Williams had been open over the years about his struggles with addiction, and had recently checked himself back into rehab to help him maintain his sobriety.
Williams was most recently seen starring in the half-hour comedy series The Crazy Ones with Sarah Michelle Gellar. He was supposed to star in the sequel to Mrs. Doubtfire and had been filming the third film of the Night at the Museum series, reprising his role as Theodore Roosevelt in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.
Williams burst onto the scene in Mork & Mindy playing an alien from Ork. Other memorable roles included The World According to Garp, Insomnia, Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, The Fisher King, and Jumanji.
On a personal note, I had the privilege of interviewing Robin Williams multiple times over the years including once at the premiere of Insomnia when he held my hand and went from being extremely serious about his role in the drama to talking about a flying hamster. I also remember once interviewing him on the red carpet for the film Man of the Year when a fan ran onto the red carpet and accosted Williams during our interview. He was obviously taken aback, but handled it well and continued with the interview (as I recall the fan was attempting to give him a script). He was always approachable, and the world has lost a true entertainer with his death today.
Our thoughts are with Williams’ friends and family at this incredibly difficult time.
From the Marin County Sheriff’s Office:
An investigation into the cause, manner, and circumstances of the death is currently underway by the Investigations and Coroner Divisions 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 10:00pm 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.
-By Rebecca Murray
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