Robin Williams was suffering Parkinson’s disease, it’s been revealed.
Williams’s wife Susan Schneider released a statement on Thursday saying the actor and comedian, 63, had been diagnosed with the degenerative disorder prior to his suicide on Monday.
“Robin’s sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression (and) anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson’s disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly,” Schneider said.
The statement, released by Schneider through Williams’ publicist, also says Williams was sober at the time of his death.
The full statement reads:
“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.”
Parkinson’s disease is an incurable disorder that gradually affects one’s nervous system and movements. Early symptoms include tremors, loss of smell and trouble sleeping.
Actor Michael J Fox did not go public with the news of his own 1991 Parkinson’s disease diagnosis for seven years, Fairfax reports.
Fox tweeted after hearing the news that he was ‘stunned’.
Support is available for those who may be distressed by phoning Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Top Comments
Parkinson's affects movement, cognitive thinking, control of thought process, creativity and leads to many physical deteriorations of everyday chores.
For RW whom was terribly quick in response, creative in actions, voices, comedy, talented... genius, this would be a slow demise that would be unbearable to experience.
For a person that already has mental health issues with this disease that only exploits this it is an exhausting fight that is too difficult to overcome.
There is also the fact that RW had an addictive pre-requisition and relationship with drugs and alcohol so the thought of being on drugs whether to help or not would feel like cheating one's self in the continuing pursuit for sobriety.
xxxxxx
One of the symptoms of Parkinson's is anxiety and depression due to lack of dopamine. I wonder if he was being treated for PD... Rip Robin.