Oscar-winning actor and comic Robin Williams died Monday at 63 of an apparent suicide, the Marin County Sheriff’s Department confirmed.
Around 11:55 a.m. Monday, sheriff’s officials said, a 911 call came in about a man unresponsive in his home in Tiburon. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dubbed “the funniest man alive” by Entertainment Weekly in 1997, Williams brought audiences hours of laughter, putting his imaginative spin on characters in film and television. He was lauded for his serious roles as well, winning a best supporting actor Oscar for his performance as Sean Maguire, the therapist who counsels Matt Damon’s math genius in “Good Will Hunting”(1997), and receiving nominations for “The Fisher King” (1991), “Dead Poets Society” (1989) and “Good Morning, Vietnam” (1987).
Born in Chicago in 1951, Williams became one of only two students accepted into John Houseman’s prestigious acting program at Julliard, the other being Christopher Reeve, who became a lifelong friend.
Williams gained fame as Mork, the bizarre, suspenders-sporting alien on the sitcom “Mork & Mindy,” a spinoff from “Happy Days.” Williams departed from the script so often that producers intentionally left blank moments on page for Williams to have space to indulge his ad-libbing genius.
#BREAKING Actor Robin Williams has died at age 63. Found dead at home in unincorporated Tiburon, CA, per @MarinSheriff.
— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) August 11, 2014
#BREAKING: Suicide suspected cause of actor Robin Williams’ death, per Marin County Sheriff’s Office. https://t.co/j8MXQ3R3vO — NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) August 11, 2014
Williams’ wife, Susan Schneider has released a statement:
‘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.”
CNN: Press representative for Robin Williams says he died this morning and “has been battling severe depression of late.”
— Ashley Killough (@KilloughCNN) August 11, 2014
Hollywood celebrities have taken to social media platform, Twitter and others to mourn the passing of the legendary actors. Some of the tweets are below.
I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul.
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) August 11, 2014
Robin Williams, it was an honor to know you. #restinpeace @ The Butler set, New Orleans http://t.co/OEkbhwlRac
— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) August 11, 2014
Oh Robin…Our hearts are broken. Rest in peace darling. We loved you.
— Goldie Hawn (@goldiehawn) August 11, 2014
Robin Williams made the world laugh & think. I will remember & honor that. A great man, artist and friend. I will miss him beyond measure.
— Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) August 12, 2014
https://twitter.com/msleamichele/statuses/498986188875636736/
Heart broken!!! #RIP Robin Williams!! Praying for your family on such a sad day. You've given so much joy to so many. Devastating we lost u
— Khloé (@khloekardashian) August 11, 2014
https://twitter.com/lindsaylohan/statuses/498973678399262720/
Man. The smallest gesture can mean the world to you. Robin Williams made such an impact on me and… http://t.co/ME0rY2rcvn
— Plug 5. (@questlove) August 12, 2014
https://twitter.com/taylorswift13/statuses/498997811976101890/
I met him on this one with sis – total gent “@scotthortonshow: Robin Williams's movie against militarism: Toys 1992 http://t.co/mqmEZ9goOb”
— John Cusack (@johncusack) August 11, 2014
A tweet cannot begin to describe the hugeness of Robin Williams heart and soul and talent. This is so sad. #RobinWilliams
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) August 12, 2014
I can’t believe the news about Robin Williams. He gave so much to so many people. I’m heartbroken.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) August 11, 2014
An incredibly sad moment. May your soul be at peace Robin Williams. #RIP
— LA Reid (@LA_Reid) August 11, 2014
#RIP Robin Williams…you will be remembered by many…
— Eva Longoria Baston (@EvaLongoria) August 11, 2014
I didn’t know I could be so sad, angry, stunned and grateful at the same time. RIP Robin Williams. If you are in pain please seek help.
— Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) August 11, 2014
https://twitter.com/emmyrossum/statuses/498976090820321280/
The world is a lot less funny today. Prayers with Robins loved ones. RIP.
— Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) August 11, 2014
https://twitter.com/CHRIS_Daughtry/statuses/498976077671575552/
So so sad to hear about the passing of Robin Williams. He will forever have a joyful place in our hearts and will be missed.
— Candace Cameron Bure (@candacecbure) August 11, 2014
Let's respect the friends and most importantly family during this heartbreaking time. We will always love you Mr. Williams.
— Sarah Hyland (@Sarah_Hyland) August 11, 2014
Devastated right now. Loved you Robin
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) August 11, 2014
Heartbroken. Robin Williams was one of the brightest, most loving & wonderful people I've ever been blessed to know. We'll miss you.
— Monica Potter (@monicapotter) August 11, 2014
Very sad, very upset, very glad I did not have to hear about this though Twitter. Probably going to be taking some time off it for a while.
— Mara Wilson (@MaraWritesStuff) August 11, 2014
Thank you to the beautifully original + brave artist that is #RobinWilliams. You taught us how to stand on the edge, fearless, + shine.
— JARED LETO (@JaredLeto) August 11, 2014
RIP Robin Williams. Here's a fond memory from his Hollywood Squares appearance. https://t.co/hoq7VO9Yx1
— Tom Bergeron (@Tom_Bergeron) August 11, 2014
I am so sorry about Robin. He was sweet and generous and kind as well as a comedic genius. This is just terrible news. #RIPRobinWilliams
— Craig Ferguson (@CraigyFerg) August 11, 2014
Utterly gutted.
Rest in peace Robin.— Will Arnett™ (@arnettwill) August 12, 2014
— Sarah Michelle (@SarahMGellar) August 12, 2014
So sad so funny http://t.co/YF9UH5BOYb
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) August 11, 2014
https://twitter.com/RobSchneider/statuses/498981197037727744/
our hearts are so heavy on the set of 2 Broke this afternoon. @OfficialKat and I only had the pleasure… http://t.co/us5GYGKUpT
— Beth Behrs (@BethBehrs) August 11, 2014
Devastated by the death of an incredible human being…be at Peace Robin. ..miss you Brother
— Luis Guzman (@IamLuisGuzman) August 11, 2014
That's. The. Worst.
— Taran Killam (@TaranKillam) August 11, 2014
O Captain! My Captain! Rise up and hear the bells. Rise up, for you the flag is flung, for you the bugle trills.
— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) August 11, 2014
Robin was as sweet a man as he was funny. If you're sad, please tell someone.
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) August 11, 2014
I am named after a character from a Robin Williams TV show when my parents still lived in Africa. He meant so much, to so many, so far away.
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) August 12, 2014
Shocked by the news of Robin Williams passing. Rest in peace my friend
— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) August 11, 2014
I can't take the Robin Williams news. I've never cried over someone I've never met but I can't stop
— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) August 11, 2014
(Hattip to Fox News, Orlando Sentinel, Hollywood Reporter)
