Update: According to new reports by authorities, Williams’ death was confirmed a suicide thanks to new forensic reports and confirmed dead as of 10:30 pm local time in his California home in agreement with previous assessments.
Film legend and Hollywood icon Robin Williams has passed away today at the age of 63.
The academy award-winning actor of 42 years was found unconscious and pronounced dead at the scene in his Tiburon, California home by medical personnel and authorities following a 911 call issued by neighbors. Cause of death was believed to be by asphyxiation and possible suicide according to reports, though a full investigation has yet to be made.
This news follows recent statements made by Williams’ representatives that the actor was battling “severe depression.” The star of Aladdin, Good Morning Vietnam, and Mrs. Doubtfire had also recently checked himself into an alcohol rehab place for “fine tuning” his long-lived alcoholism.
To date, Robin Williams has starred in over 60 films and numerous television appearances, leaves behind a legacy in comedy, drama, and animation.
Landing his first onscreen role on the Richard Pryor show, he would go onto star in the Happy Days spin-off Mork and Mindy as the alien, Mork. Appearing many more times in Saturday Night Live, he would guest star in such shows as Law and Order, Spongebob Squarepants, Wilfred, and his most recent starring show, The Crazy Ones.
His films of greatest note included 1987’s dark war comedy Good Morning Vietnam, Jumanji, Dead Poet’s Society, Flubber, Hook, Night at the Museum, Happy Feet, and Disney’s Aladdin as the voice of the genie, as well as too many others to mention here.
The acclaimed Good Will Hunting would land him an Oscar following three nominations and his numerous awards include two Emmys, four Golden Globes, two Screen Actor Guild awards, and five Grammys for best comedy album.
For gamers, he may be best remembered along with his daughter, Zelda Williams, for their collaborative ad for 2011’s The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on the 3DS:
[Above: From ZeldaUniverseTV]
His daughter most recently appeared at this past E3, competing in the event’s Smash Bros. Invitational.
He will last appear alongside Lauren Graham, Joel McHale, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ryan Lee, and Pierce Gagnon in the comedy film A Friggin’ Christman Miracle directed by Tristam Shapeero and written by Tom Rice and Captain America: The Winter Soldier‘s Russo Brothers.
The police report in full reads as follows:
On August 11, 2014, at approximately 11:55 a.m, Marin County Communications received a 9-1-1 telephone call reporting a male adult had been located unconscious and not breathing inside his residence in unincorporated Tiburon, CA. The Sheriff’s Office, as well as the Tiburon Fire Department and Southern Marin Fire Protection District were dispatched to the incident with emergency personnel arriving on scene at 12:00 pm. The male subject, pronounced deceased at 12:02 pm has been identified as Robin McLaurin Williams, a 63-year-old resident of unincorporated Tiburon, CA.
An investigation into the cause, manner, and circumstances of the death is currently underway by the Investigations and Coroner Division s of the Sheriff’s Office. Preliminary information developed during the investigation indicates Mr. Williams was last seen alive at his residence, where he resides with his wife, at approximately 10:00 pm on August 10, 2014. Mr. Williams was located this morning shortly before the 9-1-1 call was placed to Marin County Communications. 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. A forensic examination is currently scheduled for August 12, 2014 with subsequent toxicology testing to be conducted
News of Williams’ passing was received by his family. His third and last wife, Susan Schneider, gave the statement that can be found below:
“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.”
Sources: ComingSoon.net, Collider, The Wrap, CNN, BBC News,