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HOLLYWOOD — Sheriff's officials say Robin Williams committed suicide by hanging himself at his San Francisco Bay Area home.
Marin County Sheriff's Lt. Keith Boyd on Tuesday released details about the actor and comedian's death the day before at his Tiburon home.
Sheriff's officials said Monday a preliminary investigation determined the cause of death was suicide due to asphyxia. Williams was 63 and had suffered for years from periodic bouts of substance abuse and depression.
Authorities won't know if drugs played a role in Williams' death until the toxicology reports are completed.
Coroner's officials say he was last seen alive at home around 10 p.m. Sunday.
The news of actor Williams’ death shocked the world. The award-winning actor delighted audiences for decades with his various roles and iconic humor.
For many comedians, Williams is considered both a legend and an idol. So when a comic from a small town in Preston got to meet him, it was an unforgettable moment.
From the big screen to the comedy stage, Todd Johnson said he's always been a big fan of Robin Williams.
Just a couple of weeks ago, Johnson was preparing for a show at the Throckmorton Theater in Mill Valley California when someone familiar walked in.
"This one guy walks in and somebody says, ‘Hello, how are you doing?' And then I realize it's Robin Williams," Johnson said. "I always want to meet people who are famous and have succeeded, but I don't want them to be a jerk. And he was unbelievably nice."
Johnson said Williams stuck around to take pictures and talk to fellow comedians, but he also stayed to watch the show.
"I was very impressed with him," Johnson said. " When I came off stage, there was a bunch of comics backstage, and he was right in the middle of them, and he goes, ‘Holy cow! You did an awesome job and you made me laughed so hard. Thanks, I needed that.' "
It was a big night for Johnson to make the comedy legend smile after Williams had given him so my laughs over the years. So Johnson was saddened by the news of William's death.
"It's always the people that make you laugh the hardest are always the saddest clowns. And in this case, it was true," Johnson said.
Johnson said it was no surprise that Williams struggled with depression, but he said instead of remembering the day Williams dies, he hopes everyone will instead be grateful for the many days he lived and entertained us all.
"You need to really commend him on how many days — every single day — that he fought that fight and won … and that day he didn't. And I'll miss him," Johnson said.
Fellow actors and peers were stunned and saddened by the news and took to the web to show support and love for the late entertainer.
Williams’ daughter Zelda Williams took to Twitter to say goodbye to her father.
pic.twitter.com/UEtjQ1f2zS — Zelda Williams (@zeldawilliams) August 12, 2014
Conan O’Brien found out during the taping of his show and he, [Andy Richter](”http:/www.imdb.com/name/nm0725200/?ref_=nv_sr_1”) and [Will Arnett](”http:/www.imdb.com/name/nm0004715/?ref_=nv_sr_1”) gave Williams a tribute to end the show.
Absolutely stunned to hear the news about Robin Williams. It's unimaginable to me that we've lost such a genuinely funny and sweet man. — Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) August 12, 2014
Everyone from co-stars like [Ben Stiller](”http:/www.imdb.com/name/nm0001774/?ref_=nv_sr_1”), friends like [Billy Crystal](”http:/www.imdb.com/name/nm0000345/?ref_=nv_sr_1”) and even President Barack Obama gave tributes to Williams. Here are a few of the tributes given to Williams:
"Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny ... and everything in between. But he was one of a kind." —President Obama — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 12, 2014
> No words. > > — Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) [August 12, 2014](https://twitter.com/BillyCrystal/statuses/499067983403421696)
> My Heart's broken. Robin was a beautiful, kind soul. Can't bear that he's gone. So incredibly sorry for his family. > > — Minnie Driver (@driverminnie) [August 11, 2014](https://twitter.com/driverminnie/statuses/498974944689000448)
> We mourn the loss of our friend Robin Williams, who always made us laugh and smile. [pic.twitter.com/UOY8LTjVRA](http://t.co/UOY8LTjVRA) > > — Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) [August 11, 2014](https://twitter.com/sesamestreet/statuses/498975277331267585)
> Robin Williams...that 5 minute chat that evolved into 90 mins ,my sides were aching from laughter. Amazing mind , such a kind man . RIP > > — Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) [August 12, 2014](https://twitter.com/russellcrowe/statuses/499145685078261760)
> Robin Williams was like no other ..To watch him create on the spot was a privilege to behold.. Robin you are an angel now !!! REST IN PEACE > > — Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) [August 11, 2014](https://twitter.com/hwinkler4real/statuses/498969224069410820)
> Famously kind, ferociously funny, a genius and a gentle soul. What a loss. [\#RobinWilliams](https://twitter.com/hashtag/RobinWilliams?src=hash) > > — Michael J. Fox (@realmikefox) [August 12, 2014](https://twitter.com/realmikefox/statuses/498982710279688193)
> Robin Williams made the world laugh & think. I will remember & honor that. A great man, artist and friend. I will miss him beyond measure. > > — Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) [August 12, 2014](https://twitter.com/KevinSpacey/statuses/498985862789881858)
> I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul. > > — Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) [August 11, 2014](https://twitter.com/SteveMartinToGo/statuses/498971366050107392)
> Genie, you're free. [pic.twitter.com/WjA9QuuldD](http://t.co/WjA9QuuldD) > > — The Academy (@TheAcademy) [August 12, 2014](https://twitter.com/TheAcademy/statuses/498996314395246593)
> So sad so very sad about Robin. My head and heart extend to his family. > > — Tim Allen (@ofctimallen) [August 11, 2014](https://twitter.com/ofctimallen/statuses/498981399408304130)
> My heart is broken I love Robin so My heart goes out to his family He is a treasure chest of creativity and...
> A tweet cannot begin to describe the hugeness of Robin Williams heart and soul and talent. This is so sad. [\#RobinWilliams](https://twitter.com/hashtag/RobinWilliams?src=hash) > > — Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) [August 12, 2014](https://twitter.com/RedHourBen/statuses/498996937182699521)
> To the kindest hearted man. Robin, know you will always be remembered by smiles, laughter and love. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. > > — John Krasinski (@johnkrasinski) [August 12, 2014](https://twitter.com/johnkrasinski/statuses/498997700634103808)
> Heartbroken > > — Danny DeVito (@DannyDeVito) [August 12, 2014](https://twitter.com/DannyDeVito/statuses/498990186853040129)
> "He was a true Disney Legend, a beloved member of our family, and he will be sorely missed."
> Robin Williams ... true gentleman acting great comedic legend genius. > > — Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) [August 12, 2014](https://twitter.com/RealHughJackman/statuses/499194869223817218)
> I will remember your warmth, kindness, unparalleled talent, generosity,beautiful children, Robin Williams. [pic.twitter.com/8nzy5kcwnT](http://t.co/8nzy5kcwnT) > > — Rita Wilson (@RitaWilson) [August 12, 2014](https://twitter.com/RitaWilson/statuses/499102075914297344)
> Let's remember the fiery genius, the long, long strings of laughter, the awe at the energy and the performances that…
**Contributing:** Associated Press 
