Robin Williams, the Oscar winning comedian and actor who brought smiles and laughs to millions of faces, has died. He was 63 years old.
The apparent cause of death was suicide by asphyxiation, and Williams' publist stated that the actor had been battling severe depression, spending time in rehab as recently as July.
Best known for his roles in flims like Hook, Mrs. Doubtfire, Good Morning, Vietnam, Jumanji and Dead Poets Society, Williams' stole the hearts of all those who had the pleasure of seeing him preform. His high engery and quick witted routines allowed him to bring out the best in those around him, somehow walking the fine line of being funny without making fun.
The comedian initially rose to fame playing Mork the alien on the popular ABC sitcom Mork and MIndy. The show, which aired for four seasons, earned Williams a Golden Globe, a feat he would repeat five more times over his hugely successful career. Just last year he returned to the small screen opposite Sarah Michelle Gellar in CBS' The Crazy Ones. The show was on the brink of being renewed before ultimately getting the ax from the studio.
Williams had a way with voices, ultimately leading him to win a special Golden Globe award in 1993 for his vocal work as the Genie in Walt Disney Studios' Aladin. But his voices were never restricted to animated characters, most noteably in the hugely popular Mrs. Doubtfire, a film that saw Williams, after a divorce, impersonate a female housekeeper in an effort to see his kids more. A sequel to that film was currently in the works, with Williams having already signed on to reprise his role.
Over the course of his career Williams won countless awards and had many people laughing so hard that tears formed in their eyes. Today his family, friends and fans shed tears of sadness, knowing full well that a good man, who stuggled for too long without help, has left them. He was a true comedic gem that always, regardless of the situation, was able to help make things feel a bit better - thankfully he has left behind a collection of unforgettable moments that will continue to bring smiles and laughs to the faces of millions.
