It was with very sad and heavy hearts that we reported the news on Monday that the fantastic and wonderful Robin Williams had passed away at the age of 63. Williams had been battling depression for years and had died by suicide.
In a new statement, his wife Susan Schneider has confirmed that Williams was in the early stages of Parkinson's disease. The statement is 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.”
So far, this has been the only official statement from the family on his medical condition concerning the disease.
