Oscar-Winning actor and comedian, known for its inspiring roles and modest comedy; Robin Williams was found dead at his home in California on August 11, 2014. The 63-year old veteran actor, revered by audiences and celebrities around the world was found just before midday at his home in Tiburon, Northern California.
Unconfirmed reports suspect suicide by asphyxiation. According to various media within the United States, the funnyman had been battling with depression as well as alcohol and drug abuse over the last few months.
The Life and Times of Robin Williams
Without doubt among the most beloved American entertainers of his generations, Robin Williams found his claim to fame through a television sitcom “Mork and Mindy”. Since then, he has played some iconic roles in films such as “Mrs. Doubtfire”; ‘Good Morning Vietnam”; “Dead Poets Society” and “Jumanji”. His role in “Good Will Hunting” earned him a Oscar under the Best Supporting Actor category.
However, before all of this, Williams also made his mark as an established stand-up comedian.
Death and What caused it
Soon after the announcement of his death, his publicist said that the storied actor had spent some time at a rehabilitation facility earlier this summer with an effort to maintain his sobriety.
While there is little information on the potential cause of his depression, it is known that almost 33% of people affected also end up struggling with alcoholism. In the 1970s, Williams had publically admitted to abusing both alcohol and cocaine during the height of his career as the alien Mork in Mork & Mindy. He was known to have quit in the early 80’s and had maintained his sobriety for almost 20 years after his first son was born.
However, in a rather revealing interview, Williams went on record to admit that he resorted to the bottle again in the year 2003 when he worked in Alaska. He attributed this to his loneliness and fear; and felt that drinking would help. It took 3 years, a family intervention and rehab for him to regain control over his sober life.
The Aftermath
His devastated wife Susan Schneider, said in a written 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,” Upon the announcement of his death, Twitter was bombarded with messages by fans and celebrities such as Steve Martin. US President Obama said that “Williams was One of a Kind and ended up touching every element of the human spirit”.
With this it is evident that the high energy projected by Williams was in reality masking a severe personal struggle within him. In spite of vices, Robin Williams will be continued to be remembered as an inspiring entertainer for years to come.
