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Robin Williams found dead in apparent suicide aged 63

August 11, 2014

FILE – This Aug. 14, 2009 file photo shows actor Robin WIlliams from the film “World’s Greatest Dad” in Los Angeles. Williams, whose free-form comedy and adept impressions dazzled audiences for decades, has died in an apparent suicide. He was 63. The Marin County Sheriffs Office said Williams was pronounced dead at his home in California on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. The sheriffs office said a preliminary investigation showed the cause of death to be a suicide due to asphyxia. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)

UPDATED (CNS) – Robin Williams was remembered today as a Hollywood and comedic luminary by colleagues and friends stunned by the actor’s death from an apparent suicide in Marin County.

“Robin Williams was like no other,” said Henry Winkler, a star of “Happy Days,” on which Williams originated his breakout role of the alien Mork.

“To watch him create on the spot was a privilege to behold,” Winkler wrote on his Twitter page. “Robin you are an angel now. Rest in peace.”

Fred Willard added, “Comedy has lost a great man.”

According to the Marin County coroner’s office, paramedics responded to Wiliams’ home in Tiburon around noon after receiving a 911 call about an unconscious person. Williams, 63, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Coroner’s officials said investigators believe “the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia, but a comprehensive investigation must be completed before a final determination is made.”

Williams’ publicist, Mara Buxbaum, said Williams “has been battling severe depression of late.”

“This is a tragic and sudden loss,” Buxbaum said.

Susan Schneider, Williams’ wife, said she “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.”

Comedian George Lopez responded on his Twitter page, saying “Vaya Con Dios, my friend. I love you.” Comedian Chris Rock wrote, “So sad so funny.”

“I didn’t know I could be so sad, angry, stunned and grateful at the same time,” comedian Jim Gaffigan wrote.

Actor Jon Cryer of “Two and a Half Men” wrote, “We will try to carry on, but it won’t be any fun without you.”

Flowers will be placed on Williams’ star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.

A Chicago native, Williams studied theater at Julliard before touring as a stand-up comedian, leading to his casting as the offbeat alien Mork from Ork on a 1974 episode of “Happy Days.” The character was so popular it led to the spinoff “Mork & Mindy,” co-starring Pam Dawber.

He went on to a film career that earned him four Oscar nominations, including a win for his supporting role opposite Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in “Good Will Hunting.” He was nominated as lead actor for his work in “Good Morning, Vietnam,” “Dead Poets Society” and “The Fisher King.”

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association presented Williams with its Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2005.

Williams most recently starred in the CBS series “The Crazy Ones.” He had a brief role as President Dwight D. Eisenhower in “Lee Daniels’ The Butler.” He portrayed another former president, Teddy Roosevelt, in a pair of “Night at the Museum” films.

His other films included “Patch Adams,” “The Birdcage,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Jumanji,” “Hook,” “Toys” and “Awakenings.”

**This article has been updated.