|  Updated: 

Robin Williams found dead aged 63 after suspected suicide

By:

Add as a preferred source on Google

Robin Williams, the Oscar-winning comic actor, has died from an apparent suicide aged 63. 
 
The Hollywood star's body was found on Monday morning at his home in Marin County, northern California, at 11:55am. Police said it was suspected the death was suicide due to asphyxia.
 
Mara Buxbaum, Williams' press representative, said that the actor had been suffering from severe depression.
 
“Rob passed away this morning", Buxbaum said in a statement. "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.”
 
Williams was a much-loved actor who touched many around the world due to his warm on-screen presence and zany comedic characters. In 1997 he won an the Academy Award for best supporting actor for his role as Dr. Sean Maguire, the inspirational tutor in Good Will Hunting. 
 
American television channels interrupted scheduled programming to bring news of Williams' death. President Barack Obama has paid tribute to Williams, describing him as "one of a kind" and someone who "touched every element of the human spirit."
 
Obama said:
 
He made us laugh. He made us cry.
 
He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most – from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized in our own streets.
 
The Obama family offers our condolences to Robin's family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams.
 
Williams had suffered from drug and alcohol addiction in the past and had checked into a Minnesota rehabilitation centre last month.
 
Susan Schneider, Williams' wife, said her family was enduring a time of "profound grief".
 
She said:
 
This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most 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.
Robin Williams first won over the hearts of millions television with his performances in Mork & Mindy, an American sitcom which ran from 1978 – 1982. Williams played Mork, an alien endearingly out of place with life on Earth.
 
It was his role as radio host Adrian Cronauer in Barry Levinson's Good Morning, Vietnam in which Williams won over the critics and established himself as a Hollywood star. He was nominated for the 1987 Academy Award for best actor for the role.
 
Williams received a nomination for the same award two years later for his iconic performance in Dead Poets Society, in which he played an unconventional but ultimately life-changing English teacher. 
 
In films such as Hook, Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire and Jumanji, Williams made millions laugh with his hilarious comedic characters.

 

The tragic news of his death has sparked tributes from countless fellow co-stars and celebrities. 
 
Fellow comedian Steve Martin  took to Twitter to pay his respects: