Williams, one of the most celebrated comedians of his generation, segued his manic stage presence into a successful career on television in the ’70s and ’80s before moving into features. He provided the voice for the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin, one of the top-grossing animated films of all time, and won an Academy Award for his role in Good Will Hunting, for which Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice star Ben Affleck also won an Oscar (he and longtime friend Matt Damon co-wrote the screenplay).
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Police sources have indicated that Williams died of a probable suicide. Williams has long suffered from depression and addiction issues.
“Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late,” his publicist said in a statement. “This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.”
“This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings,” said Susan Schneider, Williams’s wife, in her own statement. “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.”
Williams has graced the big screen for the last week in trailers for Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, the third film in that franchise, in which he plays former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. He’s also appeared in genre hits like Fern Gully: The Last Rainforest, Jumanji and Hook.
