It seems that you can never be too successful, rich, loved or for that matter funny to suffer from depression. Today, as the news broke that the American actor, comedian and writer Robin Williams had died, it became more evident than ever how loved this comic talent was.
Whether you discovered Robin Williams through the TV show 'Mork and Mindy', from his stand up comedy career or in films such as 'Good Morning, Vietnam', 'The Fisher King', Mrs. Doubtfire' or as the Genie in Disney's Aladdin you probably loved him for his ability to make you laugh and cry, all with a twinkle in his eye.
Having been a shy child as he grew up Robin Williams discovered his talent for mimicry and acting, winning a full scholarship to the famous Juilliard school, from which he graduated in 1976. He recieved three nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actor, he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Good Will Hunting'.
Williams talked of his cocaine addiction in the 1980s, which he overcame after the death of his friend John Belushi who overdosed in 1982 and the birth of Williams' first child Zak. Williams was known to be living with Bipolar disorder, depression and alcoholism.
Yesterday on 11th August Williams was found at home in California and pronounced dead at the scene, according to the coroner's office the cause of death was asphyxiation, though his publicist has not yet confirmed that the death was by suicide.
Williams is survived by his wife, Susan Schneider who said: "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."
If you or someone you know is suffering from depression you can contact The Samaritans and Mind with any questions or for support.
