Actor Robin Williams dead at 63
WND
Four-time Oscar nominee Robin Williams has been found dead in a suspected suicide due to asphyxia at 2:55 a.m. EST, according to police.
The beloved actor was 63 years old. An autopsy is reportedly planned for Tuesday.
According to a statement from the Marin County Sheriff’s Office, “Marin County Communications received a 9-1-1 telephone call reporting a male adult had been located unconscious and not breathing inside his residence in unincorporated Tiburon, CA.”
The report continued:
“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 10:00 pm 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.”
Williams’ publicist, Mara Buxbaum, told The Hollywood Reporter: “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.”
In 2002, New York Times reporter Monica Corcoran interviewed Williams and asked about his mental health.
“You’re so manic onstage,” she said. “People have said that you suffer from manic depression.”
The actor replied, “That was in an article – I think in Newsweek – and they asked me if I ever get sad or depressed, and I said, ‘Yes.’ There’s a lot that happens in the world to make you depressed. My mother died. Did that make me depressed? Yes. I am also manic when I am onstage. Does that make me manic-depressive? No. But people might not believe me.”
After her 2010 interview with Williams for The Guardian, reporter Decca Aitkenhead wrote, “My worry beforehand had been that Williams would be too wildly manic to make much sense. When he appeared on the Jonathan Ross show earlier this summer, he’d been vintage Williams – hyperactive to the point of deranged, ricocheting between voices, riffing off his internal dialogues. Off-camera, however, he is a different kettle of fish. His bearing is intensely Zen and almost mournful, and when he’s not putting on voices he speaks in a low, tremulous baritone – as if on the verge of tears – that would work very well if he were delivering a funeral eulogy. He seems gentle and kind – even tender – but the overwhelming impression is one of sadness.”
Just last month, Williams, who had a history of alcoholism, was reportedly spotted at a rehab facility near Lindstrom, Minnesota.
His rep told TMZ, “After working back-to-back projects, Robin is simply taking the opportunity to fine-tune and focus on his continued commitment, of which he remains extremely proud.”
Williams is known for his roles in highly popular movies such as “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Aladdin,” “Patch Adams,” “Hook” and “Jumanji.” He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his work in “Good Will Hunting.”
Susan Schneider, Williams’ wife, provided the following statement to the New York Times:
“This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one if 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 that the focus will not be on Robin’s death but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.”
Williams’ next film, “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb,” the third movie in the trilogy, is scheduled to be released in theaters Dec. 19.
Fox, which will release the film, has issued the following statement: “There really are no words to describe the loss of Robin Williams. He was immensely talented, a cherished member of our community, and part of the Fox family. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans. He will be deeply missed.”
Read more at http://mobile.wnd.com/2014/08/actor-robin-williams-dead-at-63/#TSU5HulCejvDYIvz.99