Comedian and actor Robin Williams dead at 63


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TIBURON, California — Actor Robin Williams was found dead in his home in Tiburon, California Monday morning.

Williams, 63, was last seen alive in the home where he lived with his wife around 10 p.m. on Aug. 10. Emergency officials were notified just before 12 p.m. Monday that an adult male had been located unconscious and not breathing there, Marin County officials said.

The Marin County Sheriff's Office, along with other emergency personnel, responded to the call, arriving at the home at 12 p.m. Williams was pronounced dead at 12:02 p.m.

Williams' wife and publicist confirmed the death to NBC News.

"Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe 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' representative said in a statement.

Susan Schneider, Williams' wife asked people to remember what Williams gave to the world, rather than his mental illness.

"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."

An investigation is ongoing into the cause of Williams' death, though Marin County Sheriff's Office said the coroner suspects suicide due to asphyxia. A comprehensive investigation must be completed before the official cause is determined, the office said in a release.

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If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, KSL encourages you to call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.

Crisis Hotlines

  • Utah County Crisis Line: 801-226- 4433
  • Wasatch Mental Health Crisis Line: 801-373- 7393
  • National Crisis Line: 1-800-784-2433
  • Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1- 866-488-7386

Online resources

A forensic examination is scheduled for Aug. 12, and a toxicology test will also be conducted.

Williams started gaining traction as an actor and comedian in the late 1970’s, but it was the TV show “Mork and Mindy” that turned him into a household name.

Following “Mork and Mindy,” Williams would go on to star in films like “Moscow on the Hudson,” “The Best of Times” and “Good Morning, Vietnam.” He received his first of four Academy Award nominations for the latter.

Williams’ other Oscar nominations came from his performances in “Dead Poets Society,” “The Fisher King” and “Good Will Hunting.” He won the award in 1998 for his role as Sean Maguire in “Good Will Hunting.”

Williams was recently in the Fox TV series “The Crazy Ones,” and has two films scheduled to release later in 2014. Those films include “Merry Friggin’ Christmas” and “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb,” as well as an animated film in 2015 titled “Absolutely Anything."

Williams is survived by his wife, Schneider and his three children, Zelda Rae Williams, Zachary Pym Williams and Cody Alan Williams.

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Celeste Tholen Rosenlof

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