TIBURON, Calif. (MyFoxBoston / FoxNews) -- Actor and comedian Robin Williams was found dead in his home late Monday morning, the Marin County Sheriffs Department reported. Williams, 63, died of an apparent suicide by asphyxia, the sheriff reported, though a no final determination will be made until a comprehensive investigation is finished. A forensic examination will take place Tuesday, followed by toxicology reports. In a statement, a representative for Williams said the actor had been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss, Mara Buxbaum said. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.” Williams wife Susan Schneider said in a statement she is devastated and asked for privacy. “This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings, she said. I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf of Robins family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robins death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.” The actor and comedian had a career in Hollywood spanning decades. In 1998, Williams won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as psychologist Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting, the Boston-based movie that made stars out of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Williams was well-known long before that role, however. He was nominated for three other Oscars, for his roles in Good Morning, Vietnam, Dear Poets Society, and The Fisher King. Williams also starred in popular films such as Mrs. Doubtfire, Patch Adams and Aladdin. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Williams also played the lead role in Mork and Mindy, a television show about an alien who comes to earth to study its people. Williams had three children. President Barack Obama released a statement about the actors passing Monday night. Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien – but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most – from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets. The Obama family offers our condolences to Robins family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams.
Posted on: Wed, 13 Aug 2014 16:55:55 +0000