Robin Williams has died, aged 63

Robin Williams has passed away at the age of 63.

The Oscar-winning actor was found dead at his home in Tiburon, California earlier this morning (August 11). He is believed to have committed suicide by asphyxiation, California police have said, but this has yet to be confirmed by a “comprehensive investigation”.

His representative said in a statement to the press:

“Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.”

After rising to fame playing alien Mork in classic US sitcom Mork & Mindy from 1978 to 1982, Williams became known for his energetic stand-up comedy routines and then his film roles in Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, Hook, Mrs Doubtfire and Jumanji.

In 1996 he starred as a gay man whose partner poses as a woman in order to impress potential in-laws in The Birdcage, the Hollywood remake of La Cage aux Folles, and in 1997 he appeared in Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Good Will Hunting, a performance which would win him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

His more recent big screen credits included One Hour Photo and the Night at the Museum films, and last year he returned to US network television in short-lived sitcom The Crazy Ones, which was cancelled after one season.

Williams is survived by his third wife, Susan Schneider, whom he married in 2011, and by his three children from previous marriages. Schneider said in a statement:

“This morning I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. On behalf of Robin’s family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope that the focus will not be on Robin’s death, but on the countless moments of joy and laugher he gave to millions.”

Williams battled alcohol and cocaine addiction in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and checked himself into a rehab facility in 2006 having started drinking again following 20 years of sobriety. He was admitted to hospital in 2009 with heart problems and had successful surgery to replace his aortic valve. He checked himself into a rehab facility once more earlier this summer to “fine-tune”, his representative said at the time.

His Mrs Doubtfire castmate Mara Wilson has since paid tribute to Williams on Twitter. See her tweet below.

Very sad, very upset, very glad I did not have to hear about this though Twitter. Probably going to be taking some time off it for a while.

— Mara Wilson (@MaraWritesStuff) August 11, 2014