This is both deeply shocking, and not at all surprising in the world we live in. The tragic death of comedy legend Robin Williams is getting its own TV special.
Trigger warning: This post deals with suicide and may be triggering for some readers.
A new television show plans to recreate the death of late comedian Robin Williams — and unsurprisingly, the proposal has been met with disgust.
The documentary series, Autopsy, will reportedly depict the tragic death of the actor and comedian, whose body was found in his California home on August 11 last year.
Read more: 14 perfect Robin Williams moments
A coroner ruled the cause of his death asphyxiation, and Williams’ wife Susan Schneider revealed that the comic genius was sober at the time of his death, having previously struggled with addictions to drugs and alcohol. It was a deeply sad event, and Williams was mourned around the world.
The Mrs Doubtfire and Dead Poets Society star, who was 63, privately battled the early stages of Parkinson’s disease and had lived with depression for decades.
Autopsy, which will air on America’s Channel 5, will also tackle the deaths of other celebrities including Brittany Murphy, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, Daily Mail reports.
But friends, family and fans of Williams– who is survived by children Zelda, Cody and Zach — are understandably outraged by the news.
Read more: Just hours after his death, Robin Williams was called a coward.
A family friend told the Daily Mirror that Robin’s “wife and family will be utterly dismayed that someone is seeking to profit from Robin’s death is such a grotesque way.”
‘The producers should be ashamed of themselves,” the friend continued. “I hope people refuse to watch.”
Robin William’s wife, Susan Schneider, issued a statement after his death asking for the family’s privacy to be respected during their mourning period.
“On behalf of Robin’s family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief,” she said. “As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin’s death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.”
The Oscar-winning actor, who will reportedly be portrayed in the series by French lookalike Alain Poudensan, first rose to fame in the 1970s when he featured on popular TV series Mork & Mindy, going on to win an Academy Award for best supporting actor for his 1997 role as Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting.
Related content: “The world owes Robin Williams’ daughter an apology.”
Other notable movie roles included John Keating in 1989’s The Dead Poet’s Society, Parry in 1991’s The Fisher King, and as Patch Adams in the 1998 movie of the same title.
He also appeared in the 1993 film Mrs Doubtfire — the sequel to which was to begin filming last year.
He last appeared in last year’s indie romance film, The Face of Love, opposite Annette Bening.
Williams is remembered as one of the world’s greatest, bravest comedic actors.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, call Lifelife Australia on 13 11 14.
Top Comments
Robin Williams was great. This term "triggering" is a bit pathetic. This article doesn't have any shocking content.
I adored Robin Williams. Absolutely adored, admired and revered him throughout his career. But I don't see what is so disgusting and wrong about people wanting to understand how he took his own life. Some people, of course, can't handle the details - fine, don't read or watch, but those of us who are not should not be deemed bad people for simply wanting to know the details.