Earlier this week, the world lost comic titan Robin Williams. In the past three days, there has been much media speculation about the events surrounding his death and why he might have taken his own life. Today the actor’s wife Susan Schneider has issued a statement regarding her husband.
Below, you’ll find the statement in its entirety. For more on Robin Willaims, you can see our pieces Remembering Robin Williams and In Memoriam: Robin Williams’ 10 Best Performances.
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.
We all agree that Williams was an exceptional talent. The loss is incomprehensible. I am sure that none of us understands how profound it is for his three children, Ms. Schneider, and the rest of his family and close friends.
At this difficult time, however, I am compelled to raise an issue, because it affects not only Williams's legacy but also the lives of others. He was known to be a disciplined performer, on set on time, etc. We know that depression can topple those who outsiders consider at the top of the world, but they experience it through a narrow prism that skews available options. We know that anxiety is a horrid nightmare. He was in rehab in July, but if since Ms. Schneider says that his sobriety was intact, then we accept it.
My concern is her disclosure that he was in the early stages of Parkinson's. She says that Williams was not ready to share it publicly–so why would she do so now? I know many people who have or have had Parkinson's, including my mother, and they functioned quite well with medication. Granted that Mr. Williams's comedy was amazingly physical, but if the stage was so early, therefore unnoticeable, why would it factor into his suicide? His track record of professional dependability and battling addiction over many years makes me think that the inclusion of this diagnosis is either irrelevant or, to be honest, untrue, a cover to make the problems already in the public eye or hidden in some personal closet more palatable, to make the whole situation more sympathetic.
If the idea of living with Parkinson's becomes the tipping point for this hugely successful performer, a man born into privilege, much loved by his peers and fans, and so naturally anarchistic that it distinguished him from everyone else in the industry, then what does that say about the value of the Michael J. Foxes of the world and the many unknowns who adapt to new restrictions and keep on plugging? Like Groucho Marx, Williams as comedian was one of my idols, and it is unpleasant to raise such a question after anyone's passing. But even when he immersed himself in hilarious mania, he appeared never to veer too far from truth.
I want Robin Williams wife to contact me. I have lost 4 immediate family members to suicide the latest being my brother Jeff Hickey (father of grady, abby and connor) on December 4th of 2012. I want to help her in the crusade to stop this horrible disease and if nothing else to get these people the help they deserve in a timely manner. please have her contact me directly at 480 628 7023 or email me at susie jordan @ cox.net. I'm a 44 year old single mother of two and I will do anything just stop this crisis. I need her help and with my nursing background and her famous exposure to make a difference. Please please please send her this email from me. Susie jordan, susiejordan@cox.net or 480 628 7023.
I am so sorry for you loss . I have been praying for you and his family since I heard of his passing. I did not know him personally, but he brought me much joy and laughter through the years. I have been sober for 17 yrs. and I also suffer from depression and anxiety, and I know first hand how hard the daily struggles can be. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.
Yours truely, Barbara Bolling Devoted
fan
My heart is sad for your loss. I pray that robin is finally at peace. People don't understand why some people choose to leave this world unless they have been in that state of mind. I have been there but thankfully I found the right medication that helped me face my demons. Hopefully his passing will help others to seek the help they need. Your family is in my prayers every day. May God bless you and give you peace.
I am truly sad for your loss. I am sad for all of us.
I wish we had known how miserable he was feeling. We could have put the kettle on, had a cuppa, and ranted through the night! Such a shame that fame brings such beautiful people into our lives in such a remote way that we can't be there for them.
I weep for your loss, truly. Xoxo