Robin Williams, dead at 63

Oscar winner and comedian Robin Williams died this morning at 63. While his publicist wouldn’t confirm that his death was a suicide, a rep did issue this statement. “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.”

Williams, who won an Oscar for his supporting role in Good Will Hunting, was to reprise his role as Theodore Roosevelt in the third installment of Night at the Museum this December. He had recently signed on to reprise his beloved role as Mrs. Doubtfire in a sequel to be directed by Chris Columbus, and was last seen opposite Annette Bening in the indie film The Face of Love. His sitcom The Crazy Ones premiered on CBS last fall, but was not picked up for a second season.

According to a press release issued by the Marin County Coronor’s office, the Sheriff’s office suspects the death to be “suicide due to asphyxia.” The 9-1-1 phone call came in just before noon today.

Update: Fox, which will release the third Night at the Museum 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.”

I will miss Mork...he was a singularly interesting person with a mind almost as quick as George Carlin....RIP.

Very sad.   

Dammit!

Y'know, that really sucks.

I think for some they get depressed thinking the best of life is gone when they hit the 60s....Admittedly it takes some getting used to and dealing with the inevitable changes...He was also an alcoholic and had that monkey on his back...

Hey, I'm 64 and enjoying life to the fullest. Maybe the cancelled shows really ate at him.

Asphyxiation..... So very sad.

Very sad. Depression is a horrible disease.

riceme wrote:

Very sad. Depression is a horrible disease.

Heard on one of the talk shows that at the lowest depth of depression....if an individual was told that a loved one had died suddenly or that they had just won $20 Million Dollars the reaction would be the same.... Now that would have to be a tough hole to try and dig oneself out of....

If only he knew how much he was loved. Unfortunately I think people with depression may not be able to know that the are loved, even when they are.

He also was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.  He didn't tell the public about that and maybe saw that he no longer would be the man he used to be.

Symptoms of Parkinson's

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder that progresses slowly. Some people will first notice a sense of weakness, difficulty walking, and stiff muscles. Others may notice a tremor of the head or hands. Parkinson's is a progressive disorder and the symptoms gradually worsen. The general symptoms of Parkinson's disease include:

Slowness of voluntary movements, especially in the initiation of such movements as walking or rolling over in bed
Decreased facial expression, monotonous speech, and decreased eye blinking
A shuffling gait with poor arm swing and stooped posture
Unsteady balance; difficulty rising from a sitting position
Continuous "pill-rolling" motion of the thumb and forefinger
Abnormal tone or stiffness in the trunk and extremities
Swallowing problems in later stages
Lightheadedness or fainting when standing (orthostatic hypotension)