President Obama, Hollywood Reacts To Death Of Robin Williams
Oscar winner Robin Williams was found dead in his Northern California home today at age 63, the result of an apparent suicide.
"He has been battling severe depression of late," his media representative, Mara Buxbaum, told CNN. "This is a tragic and sudden loss."
Investigators suspect the death to be a suicide from asphyxiation, though an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.
"This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken," said Susan Schneider, Williams' wife for the last three years. "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."
Williams long career spanned stage, film and television. He was a master at broad comedies like The Birdcage and Mrs. Doubtfire, but also excelled in dramas like Awakenings, Good Will Hunting and One Hour Photo.
"Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between," said President Obama in a statement. " But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien—but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. 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 on our own streets."
In a tweet, Judd Apatow revealed that as a teen, "I got a job as an intern at Comic Relief just to be near [Robin]. A genius and a truly kind man who made the world a better place."
"I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul," posted Steve Martin.
Williams' Mork & Mindy" co-star Pam Dawber said she was "completely and totally devastated."
David Kelly, the creator of Williams' last series, The Crazy Ones, called him a "legendary" talent. "But equally inspiring, perhaps more so, was his kindness and humanity. A gentle soul who touched us all. A very special man, and our hearts are broken."
Sarah Michelle Gellar, his Crazy Ones co-star, tweeted photos of the two together.
— Sarah Michelle (@RealSMG) August 12, 2014
Robin Williams has four movie movies in production, including an upcoming third installment of the Night at the Museum franchise, in which he plays Teddy Roosevelt.
