Robin Williams Was Suffering From Parkinson's Disease, His Widow Reveals

Robin Williams Was Suffering From Parkinson's Disease

The late comedian Robin Williams was suffering from Parkinson's Disease when he took his own life on Monday. His wife, Susan Schneider, made the revelation in a statement published on Thursday.

The statement read:

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.

The Good Will Hunting actor was found at his home in Tiburon, California, with initial investigations revealing the 63-year-old had hanged himself.

If you've been affected by the issues in this article, please call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.