Robin Williams‘ wife has revealed the late actor, who died of an apparent suicide on Monday, was in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease.
Williams’ wife, Susan Schneider, said in a statement on Thursday that the actor, who was found in his northern California home with a belt secured around his neck, was not ready to share the fact that he was suffering from Parkinson’s with the public.
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The Oscar-winning actor, who had struggled with addiction throughout his life and had recently entered rehab prior to his death, died with his sobriety “intact,” Schneider said.
Schneider added that the family hopes that Williams’ death will inspire others to find help and support that they need for whatever difficulties they are facing.
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“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,” Schneider said.
Williams, star of “Mork & Mindy,” “Good Will Hunting” and other projects had been treated for depression in the period leading up to his death.
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Read Schneider’s full statement below.
“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’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.
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.”