Actor-comedian Robin Williams found dead in apparent suicide

I'm just too stunned and shocked for words right now. This... I honestly don't know what to say right now, I'm struggling to process that this has really happened :(

Reports suggest that he had been suffering from depression... such a shame.

...what?

Well, that was completely unexpected; I don't know what to say, other than rest in peace.

First time I saw him was on "Whose line is it anyway?", and absolutely loved his comedy. So sad to hear this news.

It’s so surreal to watch the sad news here miles away from the states that Robin Williams is dead.

He’s an extremely talented guy. I remember once at his show, I watched him to do his stand-up gigs for 2.5 hours and make audiences laugh their hearts out without any rest, that was just plain amazing.

May he rests in peace!

What brilliant, troubled genius.

RIP. Mr Williams will be missed by very many. Sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

So sad...

Some wonderful work for this man. He left a great legacy and will be missed RIP.

If it is true that laughter is the best medicine and that laughter keeps you young, Robin Williams is responsible for keeping generations of people healthy and younger. I consider myself one of those people. This news is an incredible shock, but I will always be grateful to Robin Williams for all the great memories, feelings and laughter. I know he struggled with substance abuse and depression and I hope he is able to rest in peace.

Theo a friend of mine worked for Robin Williams as his personal chef when he lived in Hawaii.

Robin Williams R.I.P, a truly great comedian, one of the quickest witted people I have ever seen, you had to focus 100% or you'd miss the jokes. He will be sadly missed by so many.

A mufti-talented artist that will be remembered as one of the greatest comedians of this century. Rest in Peace.

wow, so sad, such a loss!

I am shocked....

Sad thing... it may be said it is the curse of a bright, intelligent comedian. You make people laugh but you can't

Pagliacci, comes to mind...

A true comic genius. RIP.

Just heard and wow my eyes welled up with tears. Robin Williams was probably my all time through the years favorite comedian. Depression is a real illness and powerful emotion that left unchecked can lead to tragic consequences like Robin William's suicide and the grieving family he left behind. RIP Robin, you were great!

Hate to say it, as a fan of his, but this comment thread is about to get boring.

One of the last people I would think would do this.

Your comedy will live on Mr. Williams. You were an inspiration.

I think Robin would have said, "see what happens when you listen to too much Badfinger"

So very sad to hear it. I met him twice, first time, was on Melrose blvd. in Los Angeles, I was standing at an ATM and he was standing in front of me, I was with a buddy of mine and my friend whispered to me, "that guy looks like Robin Williams" and he overheard him and turned around and replied "Yes, I am him." he pulled both of us out of the line and asked me first, what shoe size do I have? I replied a 12 (Jpn-30 cm) and then he said, "Oh, tough, sucks for you." He then quickly asked my buddy the same question, he replied "I have a 10 (Jpn-28 cm) and he said, "Excellent, this is your lucky day, sir!" He then whisked us to his car, opened up the trunk and gave my buddy, some kind of a one of a kind custom Nike shoes, funky as hell, He said, the one pair were really too tight and he didn't want to throw them away. He signed the shoes on the side and it read "NOW you really got sole" totally classy, totally funny, a real gentleman, smiling and just talking to us as if he knew us for a long time. The second time was when he was with Leno on the Tonight Show on the set at our NBC studio in Burbank, everyone in the studio wanted to talk to him, we just couldn't stop laughing. Very sad again to see another great talent lost forever. RIP Mr. Williams, you made us laugh so hard and I will never forget talking to you twice, crying with laughter, you will be so very missed.

Goooooooooood Morning, Vietnam!

RIP to an absolutely brilliant performer. His unique brand of madcap genius will never be duplicated, and he will be sorely missed. In his next life, he makes God laugh.

Well this sucks. What a genuine talent. The power of depression is devastating. So often it manifests in comedic geniuses. I have grown up watching him and felt like I knew him. I hope he has found the peace that evaded him in this life.

"O Captain, My Captain!"

Robin Williams' portrayal of Mr. John Keating in Dead Poets' Society inspired me to be a teacher, and his portrayal of Dr. "Patch" Adams in Patch helped inspire me to make class fun as one. His comedies --- such as Mrs. Doubtfire, Toys, Aladdin, Aladdin 3 (he helped to make The Genie my favorite Disney Character [beating out Tigger {who was my favorite Disney Character from the time I knew what Disney was}]) and others --- made me feel like a kid again, whenever I saw and still see these comedic classics. I also enjoyed his portrayals in Good Will Hunting, Good Morning, Vietnam!, Jumani, and Insomnia were all top shelf (I still think he should've been chosen as "The Riddler" over Jim Carrey in Batman and Robin).

And nobody could've done Mork from Ork better. Nobody!

On top of this, he was a genuine person; he never got all wrapped up in the whole Hollywood Scene. I've also heard a story that he took care of all of Christopher Reeve's medical and care bills after Mr. Reeves' accident that left him a quadriplegic, a pact he and Mr. Reeves are said to have made to do so for each other --- if such a thing ever happened to either --- when they were college students. He also went on numerous USO tours to help uplift the troops, and always made time for others. And it is most interesting that, when Mr. Spielberg was making Schindler's List, he would call Mr. Williams every night to have him tell a joke and uplift his spirits during Schindler's List's filming. Steven Spielberg mentioned that fact when he was on The Actor's Chair some time back.

And now, Robin Williams is gone. My wife got the news over her iPhone, and I kept hoping --- and am still hoping, to a greater or lesser degree --- to hear that it was all a false alarm, a harmless prank, and a fake Onion News Report.

But it isn't. He's really gone. GOD bless his memory.

The World just became a lot less happy today. Mr. Williams' passing is a tragedy on all levels.

My prayers are with his family, friends, and loved ones.

Shocked me. My friend told me today on Skype and I thought he was pranking me, until I checked the news and saw for myself.

Really sad to hear such and amazing talent has been lost. Rest in peace Robbie.

Wasn't expecting to see that. Very sad, and shocking. RIP to a very fine, very talented actor. Will definitely be missed.

I agree with pretty much every comment on this thread. Robin Williams went beyond merely talented and gifted: he was a legend. A king of comedy, impersonation, drama and entertainment. He brought laughter to all of us, made the world brighter, and made things happier. Through his acting he showed us passion and beauty and human frailty.

It is so sad that for all the laughter, happiness, brightness and beauty he provided for all of us, that he wasn't able to find it or internalize it for himself.

Mr. Williams, in your rest I hope you find a peace and all the heartfelt smiles that seemed to escape you while you were here among us. We will miss you terribly. This is a truly sad day. This weekend I'm going to rent as many of your movies as I can and watch them. RIP, sir.

Shocked, saddened. I'm planning a private Robin Williams movie binge marathon this week-end.

My favorites:

Patch Addams, Bicentennial Man, Good Will Hunting, Hook, Jumanji, Good Morning Vietnam, Final Cut, Awakenings

Strange that when there is news about someone who is not famous commiting suicide we have many saying how slefish they are and such a coward. When it is a celeb as in this case there is zero condemnation. I find it sad when anyone kills themselves whteher celeb or not.

Wasn't expecting to see that. Very sad, and shocking. RIP to a very fine, very talented actor. Will definitely be missed.

And in another related article about suicides, you called them "selfish" and 'cowards".

As indicated the above posts, a celebrity that is well known and admired commits a suicide, the public condemnation for his/her actions are rare. But when a 'nobody' does the same thing..,?

nigelboy: "And in another related article about suicides, you called them "selfish" and 'cowards"."

Yes, and if you bothered to read that and other comments on the same topic (including the one I refer to with the moms taking their kids), you'll see that I said it's a shame people reach the point in which they have to kill themselves. You'll also see, more importantly (again if you bother to read and not just selectively cut and paste), in previous posts that I said I can respect suicide in the case of disease and/or terminal illness when the person chooses to end suffering, but NOT when they involve others, such as with the cowards who jump in front of train to escape problems that can be fixed and force others to take on their burdens, or worse yet with people who literally take out others (especially family) with them. BIG difference, my friend, and nothing to do at all with celebrity.

"...the public condemnation for his/her actions are rare."

And once again, you miss the biggest point. Did Williams walk onto a platform and jump off for all those around to be splashed with and the driver traumatized for life, likely to escape debt or other responsibilities? or did he suffer a disease he could not overcome despite seeking help, and go quietly, in private? Which is it nigelboy? and I notice you have no comment on the subject at hand (again), but rather only attack others' posts. Any personal thoughts on Williams?

I kind of wondered at the time how this would end up after Robin penned that beautiful piece in the NYTimes last spring on the death of his soulmate, the one person that really understood him, and idol Jonathan Winters...combined with lifelong addictions, possible bankruptcy, etc. If there is any good behind the complete and utter devastation of tonight, it could be a way of diminishing the stigma and discrimination of depression by being open about it as a disease.

MissingCylonModel

My favorites:

Jumanji

Eh, to each his own, but...Jumanji?

Please check out "The Best of Times" (1986) with Kurt Russell. You'll laugh your ass off.

No smith. All that is important are that you used "selfish" and "coward" when referencing the other while such words are yet to be used by you or other posters on this article.

And as IF William's death didn't traumatize anybody. (Like the person that called 911,sheesh!!)

Double standards galore especially to you who I believe is the only poster who managed to give his/her opinion on this as well as the other incident.

No bickering please.

Such sad news. He will be missed...

Best of Times interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaVOVafhbag

Double standards galore

The same thing happened when J team lost in the World Cup, it got only harsh criticism, quite different from what US team got.

@bass4funk

So very sad to hear it. I met him twice, first time, was on Melrose blvd. in Los Angeles, I was standing at an ATM and he was standing in front of me, I was with a buddy of mine and my friend whispered to me, "that guy looks like Robin Williams" and he overheard him and turned around and replied "Yes, I am him." he pulled both of us out of the line and asked me first, what shoe size do I have? I replied a 12 (Jpn-30 cm) and then he said, "Oh, tough, sucks for you." He then quickly asked my buddy the same question, he replied "I have a 10 (Jpn-28 cm) and he said, "Excellent, this is your lucky day, sir!" He then whisked us to his car, opened up the trunk and gave my buddy, some kind of a one of a kind custom Nike shoes, funky as hell, He said, the one pair were really too tight and he didn't want to throw them away. He signed the shoes on the side and it read "NOW you really got sole" totally classy, totally funny, a real gentleman, smiling and just talking to us as if he knew us for a long time.

What an excellent anecdote. I've been reading a lot of great anecdotes like this today. He really knew how to brighten up people's lives, didn't he?

I am a loyal fan of him since watching Good Morning Vietnam about 20 yrs ago. His acting was very natural and facial expression was transparent as mirror. Nine Month movie he acted as Obstetrician was so funny. My Vietnamese friends said Robin was adorable because of his honest and sincere expression. There were no over acting or under performing from that talented masterpiece of human. He may be even performed better than Charlie Chaplin who was the legend.

Robin was one of the gifted actor who can delicately fine balance between the natural instinct and controlled or forceful emotion as someone walking on the robe. He is simply irreplaceable like other legends. RIP!

nigelboy: "Double standards galore especially to you who I believe is the only poster who managed to give his/her opinion on this as well as the other incident."

Nope, a few people have, including zichi and Daniel Neagari... I mean, if you read it and all you would have seen that. But believe what you want, as you usually do (ahem... 'double standards'?).

And again, I notice you actually have no idea on the thread at hand.

"And as IF William's death didn't traumatize anybody."

You mean in the same way literally seeing the bodies burst apart being hit by a train? or how about the people on the platform who got injured when the woman who jumped bounced back into a kiosk? There are reasons and differences as to why William's suicide 'traumatizes' people as opposed to the jumpers. Williams was a man who GAVE to the world, was considered extremely kind and good humoured, and more. With the two jumpers, while sad, few people besides the family will be saying anything but, "Again?" And the government will have someone assigned to say, "Sheesh... how many does that make so far this year compared to last?" It's not a double standard to point out the more than obvious differences in how these instances affect society nor how big the differences are in terms of what led to the suicides.

Hello Smith, you made some good points. I think Nigel just likes pushing your buttons. Strange how one of the greatest comedians whose ever lived turns into this.

@FizzBit, When I watched Jumanji, I was at just the right age to enjoy it the most. I guess CGI animals will look pretty bad on re-watch.

What ever film Robin did he made me laugh, god knows what he would of been like to live with, I've seen him with one or two people that interview him, he was so quick with funny replies, they could not keep up with his humour, his family have lost a farther,husband, but the world has lost a genius. such a sad loss for everyone!!

@MissingCylonModel You might want to add "What Dreams May Come" to your watch list. A very important movie indeed and hopefully one depicting where Williams is now.

He was a big part of the baby boomer generation. So his death hits hard for those of us that grew up with him. He was a real bay area icon. Saw him one evening when he just showed up at a comedy shop in SF. Blew everyone out of the water that night. What a great talent he was.

This song is a great tribute.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uJRLi73uGBE

Fizzbit: "Hello Smith, you made some good points. Strange how one of the greatest comedians whose ever lived turns into this."

Agree with you on both the 'one of the greatest' points and how strange (I'd say awful) that he ended up doing this. I guess fame and fortune doesn't necessarily mean you won't be unhappy and helpless -- It's just sadder because you never really pictured it with a guy like him.

He was a genuis but I think he did allot of drugs back in the day. Agreed; the Dead Poets role was one of his best. In other roles, he annoyed me. I think a few years of residence in Japan would clear up any "blues" you might have in the U.S. and appreciate life without drugs.

"NaNu NaNu"

for the last time

I feel for the devastated family he left behind.

I first saw his work as Jason Shine on Martin Mull's old show America 2Night.

While I enjoyed several of his performances, especially the one in Good Will Hunting, the overall feeling he evoked in me nearly every time I saw him was extreme pity. And, as years went by, dread. I saw his frenetic, stream-of-consciousness routine, which he'd put on in nearly every situation, as not a routine at all but the reaction of a person who could not bear to be in the present moment, and a cry for help.

While I found I could not appreciate his act, I did appreciate what the man tried to give the world, and that he tried to get the help he desperately needed. I am terribly sorry that the who couldn't bear to be in the present moment finally won out.

And once again, you miss the biggest point. Did Williams walk onto a platform and jump off for all those around to be splashed with and the driver traumatized for life, likely to escape debt or other responsibilities?

smithinjapan: No, Williams did not, but there are so many non-celebrities in the world who also did not. But why should we call those common folk who die quietly and cause no one else physical harm, selfish and cowards, but put Mr. Williams on a pedestal for his actions. Seems like a double standard to me. Was his life more important than the average citizen who also faced depression, and tried everything in their power to combat it peacefully? IMO that is totally wrong. Besides, you could say that Robin Williams' suicide did cause trauma for a lot of people. Sometimes emotional and mental trauma caused could be even deadlier than physical trauma. I don't really think his family and loved ones are better off now than he is dead. I'm pretty sure they are very shocked and will be deeply affected by this for a long time. RIP Mr. Williams, you will be missed, but also to the many others who face depression everyday and can't win the battle against it.

He named his daughter after The Legend of Zelda

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bINUfbLV_0M

Suicide is a desperate act by someone who has a mental illness, is not thinking rationally, is in intense pain and wants their pain to stop. Period. Even antidepressant drugs have been implicated in suicidal ideation. Robin Williams clearly cared about a lot of things and was not selfish. This is unbelievably sad all around. RIP.

Sad news. Happy memories.

Shazbot!

Smithinjapan

And once again, you miss the biggest point. Did Williams walk onto a platform and jump off for all those around to be splashed with and the driver traumatized for life, likely to escape debt or other responsibilities?

Williams' suicide is far more public and affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide - it's suicide on an epic, global scale, and you offer 'RIP, a sad loss', but the bloke who steps off the local train platform in Tokyo is a selfish coward?!

Nigelboy was right to call you out on your staggering double standards.

Mrs Dout Fire is one of his best movie. Not many male actors have quality to act like him as old and funny lady with different voices. His voice was so powerful. There were many animated movies used his voice such as Penguin movie Happy Feet. Although he has made us happy and full of laughter, his ending was sad and unnatural. He is not only good in comedy but also moving drama. Great loss for fans world wide not only USA.

I dont know but seems like dude had "issues" to me. Ive seen people in intense pain etc but kept going to the end. Seen people with mental illness with no money or help bear it. He had a ton of money and access to anything he wanted. His talent is a loss, but I dont feel all the pity I see here for him.

Oh Captain, My Captain salute

RIP Mr. Williams you will always be the greatest.

I will always consider suicide an act of cowardice, but I cannot help to feel that in cases of Robin Williams and also of a friend of mine that jumped unexpectedly last year, that they have given up, depression is a serious issue that is treacherous and it is not taken lightly. Take for example this post from a suicide person published hours after his death http://opiados.blogspot.com/ (you have to translate it) and you see what i mean.

Robin Williams was a performer he was not only a dramatic actor, but also a comedian, voice actor, and each and everyone of his roles was so great that I cannot think of a bad one (i can think of bad movies though), Memorable to me will always be Dead poets society, Patch Addams, Bicentennial man, Mrs Doubtfire, The birdcage, RV, Hook, License to Wed and of course his voice acting in Aladdin, A.I, Happy Feet and Robots, just simply because he was in those movies

Rest in Peace Robin, Pity it was a battle you couldn't win, I hope your legacy will continue to live on...

People pontificate, "Suicide is selfishness." Oafs argue this specious line for varying reason: to evade fingers of blame, to impress one's audience with one's mental fiber, to vent anger, or just because one lacks the necessary suffering to sympathize. Cowardice is nothing to do with it - suicide takes considerable courage. Japanese have the right idea. No, what's selfish is to demand another to endure an intolerable existence, just to spare families, friends, and enemies a bit of soul-searching.

And once again, you miss the biggest point. Did Williams walk onto a platform and jump off for all those around to be splashed with and the driver traumatized for life, likely to escape debt or other responsibilities?

Smithinjapan, why do you compare the way Robin Williams died to the few percent of those who die by jumping in front of a moving train? I'll have you know that most people who commit suicide, whether they be the average person or a famous person, does it privately in their own homes (e.g. by hanging, slitting their wrists, overdosing on drugs). Besides, it would've been more appropriate of you to compare the fact that Robin Williams fought depression for as long as he did and ended up killing himself at the age of 63. To me, it's much better than so many young actors and actresses who kill themselves by stupid means as overdosing on drugs and alcohol. Why not make that comparison instead. Unless of course, you have some hidden agenda.

Robin was a huge fan of anime (Ghost in the Shell, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Cowboy Bebop, Detective Conan & Hayao Miyazaki movies).

'til next we meet, Robin, "Nanoo nanoo". Maybe in your case they can relax the rules a bit regarding where those who commit suicide are destined.

If he was MARRIED, was does his " Wife "call herself "Schneider ". Must have not been such a great "wife". RIP Robin.