Robin Williams has died due to suicide. Photo: CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images)
Robin Williams’ widow Susan Schneider revealed today that the actor and comedian, who took his own life earlier this week, had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Schneider broke the news in a statement today. She said: “Robin’s sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson’s Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly.”
News broke Monday night that Oscar-winning actor Williams had been found dead in his home. A day later, officials said that Williams had apparently hanged himself with a belt.
Here is Schneider’s full statement:
“Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the frontlines, or comforting a sick child — Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid.
Since his passing, all of us who loved Robin have found some solace in the tremendous outpouring of affection and admiration for him from the millions of people whose lives he touched. His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles.
Robin’ssobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression,anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson’s Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly.
It is our hope in the wake of Robin’s tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid.”
