SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A law enforcement official in California’s Marin (muh-RIHN’) County says actor Robin Williams was found dead in his home today north of San Francisco, apparently from suicide caused by asphyxia.
Williams’ press agent said the 63-year-old Oscar winner had recently been battling severe depression.
Williams’ wife Susan Schneider said in a statement that the world lost “one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings.” Schneider said she is “heartbroken” from losing “her husband and best friend.” And she said she hopes the focus won’t be on his death but on the “countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.”
His career soared in the late 1970s when he starred as the alien in the hit TV show “Mork and Mindy.” Williams built upon that success through his standup act and such films as “Good Morning, Vietnam.”
He won his Academy Award in a dramatic role, as a teacher in the 1997 film “Good Will Hunting.” Williams also won three Golden Globes, for “Good Morning, Vietnam,” ”Mrs. Doubtfire” and “The Fisher King.”
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