Earlier this week, the unthinkable happened when the universally beloved actor and comedian Robin Williams was found dead in his home after having committed suicide. The news of this terrible tragedy shook the world, leaving us all wondering why a man who was so greatly admired and adored would do such a thing. Although Williams has been sober for many years now, his death has led people to speculate about the late actor's troubled past with drug use and alcoholism, and whether or not foul play may have been involved. Today, Robin's wife, Susan Schneider, release a statement which may help provide some answers.
According to his wife, Robin was in fact still sober, however he had been struggling with the early stages of Parkinson's disease, as well as depression and anxiety. Parkinson's disease, most commonly shared with actor Michael J. Foxx and boxing great Muhammad Ali, is a degenerative disorder that effects the central nervous system, causing erratic body movement and is most commonly found in people over the age of 50. Robin Williams was 63 years-old at the time of his death. You can read Schneider's full statement below:
“Robin’s sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson’s Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly. It is our hope in the wake of Robin’s tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid.
Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the frontlines, or comforting a sick child — Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid. Since his passing, all of us who loved Robin have found some solace in the tremendous outpouring of affection and admiration for him from the millions of people whose lives he touched. His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles."
Robin Williams is survived by his third wife, Schneider, who he married in 2011, and his three children. He was a rare, unforgettable talent, and he will truly be missed.
“Robin’s sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson’s Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly. It is our hope in the wake of Robin’s tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid.
Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the frontlines, or comforting a sick child — Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid. Since his passing, all of us who loved Robin have found some solace in the tremendous outpouring of affection and admiration for him from the millions of people whose lives he touched. His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles."
Robin Williams is survived by his third wife, Schneider, who he married in 2011, and his three children. He was a rare, unforgettable talent, and he will truly be missed.
Sources: Variety, Wikipedia
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