[dropcap]O[/dropcap]SCAR-WINNING actor Robin Williams, a comic genius whose manic energy and quick wit charmed fans for nearly four decades, was found dead of an apparent suicide in his California home on Monday, authorities said. He was 63.
His shocking death came little more than a month after Williams, who had long struggled with drug and alcohol abuse, checked himself back into rehab in a bid to stay sober.
Robin Williams holds up his Oscar after winning in the Best Actor in a Supporting Role category during the 70th Academy Awards.
Williams was “unconscious and not breathing” when emergency workers arrived at his house in Tiburon in response to a 911 call about 11:55 a.m. local time, according to the Marin County Sheriff’s Office.
He was pronounced dead at 12:02 p.m.
“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,” Lt. Keith Boyd said in a prepared statement. Early this morning, Oakland TV station KTVU reported that a source close to the investigation said the actor hanged himself.
Williams, who married three times and had three adult children, was last seen alive Sunday evening in the home he shared with his wife, graphic designer Susan Schneider.
His body was found by unspecified family members, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
“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,” Schneider said in a statement.
“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.”
Williams’ 25-year-old daughter, Zelda, paid tribute to her father on Twitter late Monday night, writing, “I love you. I miss you. I’ll try to keep looking up.”
Robin Williams - End of comic era
THERE are very few in the showbiz world, who can actually make you laugh and cry at the same time. Actor-comedian Robin Williams was perhaps one such soul, who had the talent of becoming a known face from the West and had fans down the East as well. The actor breathed his last on Monday and was found dead at his residence. Over the years, he had battled cocaine and alcohol addiction, as well as depression. And his death has indeed created a vacuum in the world of entertainment.
Robin Williams- The comic legendThe star who ruled for nearly two decades, rose to fame with a television series called `Mork & Mindy` in 1978. His juggling of acts as a stand-up comedian and as a full-time Hollywood star, made him a famous personality worldwide. His career highs include films such as `Good Morning, Vietnam` in 1987, `Aladdin` in 1992; however he became a household name with `Mrs. Doubtfire` which came out in the year 1993. `Good Will Hunting` won him an Oscar award for Best Supporting actor in 1997.
He also received two Emmy Awards, four Golden Globes, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and five Grammy Awards in addition to pursuing a successful decades-long and highly acclaimed standup comedy career.
Williams was a world-class actor. Even President of United States, Barack Obama too has expressed his condolences at Williams` untimely demise. Obama referred to the actor-comedian as `one of a kind`. Williams married thrice—his third wife Susan Schneider reportedly in a statement said: “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. 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.”
“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”
“Stand-up is the place where you can do things that you could never do in public. Once you step on stage you are licensed to do that. It’s an understood relationship. You walk on stage--it’s your job.”
“But only in their dreams , can men be truly free. It was always thus and always thus will be.”
“You will have bad times, but they will always wake you up to the stuff you weren’t paying attentiont to.”
“Some are born great. Some achieve greatness. Some get it as a graduation gift.”
The actor who was loved so much and will surely be remembered by many, bid the world an untimely goodbye—making us believe that curtains have been drawn to his `act` forever.
