Robin Williams, Oscar Winning Actor, Dead at 63

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Category: World News

Published on Tuesday, 12 August 2014 05:23

Written by Janet Walker

Oscar Winning Actor, Robin Williams was found unconscious and not breathing in his Northern California home yesterday. He later died of what is being investigated as suicide by asphyxiation. He was 63.

Williams, one of the world's most recognized comedic faces, according to his publicist was a battling sever depression and had as recent as July entered rehab to "fine tune" his sobriety.

The actor was known for his fearless approach to his craft often sending audiences into fit of howling laughter. In life, outside the camera, he suffered with severe and equal depression often turning to drugs and alcohol which he admitted his addictions.

Williams, married three times, made headlines when he and his first wife, Valerie Velardi divorced and he married his former children's nanny, Marsha Garces. The two divorced in 2010 after 21 years of marriage. He recently married, Susan Schneider who released this statement:

"This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken," Schneider said in the statement. "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 leaves behind an impressive body of work ranging from his trademark comedic genius to the dramatic that cause the Hollywood machine to stand up and notice honoring him with an Academy Award for his role in Good Will Hunting ten years after his first nomination as a radio disc jockey in Good Morning Vietnam.

Williams receive two additional academy award nominations, 12 Golden Globe nominations, six of which he won, he was nominated for eight primetime Emmy Awards winning two and nominated for a Daytime Emmy Awards. He was nominated four times for the Screen Actors Guild Award, winning twice.

He was also nominated for two BAFTA awards, and countless other nominations including CableAce Awards, Kid Choice awards, People Choice Awards, the coveted Hasting Pudding award, MTV Awards, National Board of Review Awards.

The list of 55 awards and 67 nominations Williams received from peers, critics and fans is a statement to his endearing power to captive, surprise and deliver.

A survivor of the 80's cocaine infusion, Williams often used the drug's affect in his stand up routines which played into his career launching "Mork," opposite Pam Dawber, from television's Mork and Mindy, one of the successful spin off's of Happy Days.

With a career spanning four decades Williams shot to the top with hits like Mrs. Doubtfire, Good Morning Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, The Fisher King, The Birdcage, Dead Again and Night at the Museum. He was the voice talent to the role of "Genie" in Aladdin, Ramon/Lovelace in "Happy Feet" and "Fender" in Robots.

He also suffered through his share of box office bombs such as Popeye, Cadillac Man (although critically acclaimed), Hook, and Bicentennial Man.

He leaves three films in post production with releases schedule d for this year including Merry Friggin Christmas, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, Absolutely Anything.

Despite his addictions and demons, Williams was a solid go to in Hollywood.

He was loved, honored and will be missed by friends, family and fans. His fearless approach to his craft is unmatched and leaves a gaping void; he almost effortless provided powerful, emotional stirring dramatic roles and seamlessly delivered comedic performances with equal intensity.

Williams' with all his strength, grace and comedic genius, unfortunately couldn't find the humor, willpower or medicine to slay the dragon in his mind that wrestled him to the ground.  

He will be missed.

He is survived by his wife, and three children, Zelda Rae, Cody Alan, and Zachary Pym Williams.