Oscar winner and beloved comedian Robin Williams died at home this morning at the age of 63.
While his publicist would not confirm his death was a suicide, according to Entertainment Weekly, a representative released this statement:
Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling sever depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.”
Williams was found unconscious at his home and was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner’s office suggested that the cause of death was asphyxiation, but an investigation is underway.
Born in Chicago in 1951, Robin Williams was the son of a Ford Motor Company executive and a former model from New Orleans and described himself as a quiet child. It was not until getting involved in his high school’s theater department that he was able to overcome his shyness.
And did he ever.
Williams appeared in over 70 films throughout his career spanning almost four decades. In most of them, he showcased his rare, one-of-a-kind comedic abilities that captured millions of moviegoers around the world. It was for his more serious role in Good Will Hunting that he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
In regards to his zany personality, Williams once quipped, “You’re only given one little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.”
Today we all lost a little spark of madness that we will dearly miss.
