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His wife says he was battling the early stages of Parkinson’s disease.
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Actor Robin Williams dies
- Thread starter Looney
- Start date
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
ROBIN WILLIAMS' WIFE: HE HAD PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Robin Williams was in the early stages of Parkinson's disease at the time of his death, his wife said Thursday.
In a statement, Susan Schneider said that Williams, 63, was struggling with depression, anxiety and the Parkinson's diagnosis when he died Monday in his Northern California home. Authorities said he committed suicide.
"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," Schneider said.
Schneider did not offer details on when the actor comedian had been diagnosed or his symptoms.
The Marin County Sheriff's Department, which said Williams hanged himself, is conducting toxicology tests and interviews before issuing a final ruling. Lt. Keith Boyd of the Marin County Sheriff's Department did not return phone calls and email messages from The Associated Press seeking comment on Schneider's statement.
Williams' death shocked fans and friends alike, despite his candor about decades of struggle with substance abuse and mental health. With Parkinson's, Williams faced shouldering yet another challenge.
Parkinson's disease is an incurable nervous system disorder that involves a loss of brain cells controlling movement. Tremors, sometimes starting out in just one hand, are among the early symptoms.
It can also cause rigid, halting walking, slowed speech and sometimes dementia. Symptoms worsen over time and can often be treated with drugs.
Actor Michael J. Fox, who has long had the disease and is known for his efforts to fund research into it, tweeted that he was stunned to learn Williams had early symptoms.
"Stunned to learn Robin had PD. Pretty sure his support for our Fdn predated his diagnosis. A true friend; I wish him peace," Fox tweeted.
Pop star Linda Ronstadt revealed in 2013 that she had Parkinson's and said the disease had robbed her of her ability to sing. Boxer Muhammad Ali, the late radio personality Casey Kasem and the late Pope John Paul II are among other well-known figures diagnosed with the disease.
Parkinson's affects about 1 million people nationwide, 6 million globally. The cause isn't known but genes are thought to play a role.
There is no standard test for Parkinson's; doctors rely on symptoms, medical history and neurological exams to make the diagnosis.
Dr. Tanya Simuni, director of the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center at Northwestern University's medical school in Chicago, said patients often react to the diagnosis with surprise and despair.
Depression is often present even in early stages and can sometimes precede tremors that help doctors make the diagnosis, Simuni said.
It's important to emphasize that not everyone who is depressed has Parkinson's or is likely to develop it, she said, especially given "this tragic case" involving Williams in which the two diseases occurred.
She noted that many can live for years without severely debilitating symptoms, but also that 20 years after diagnosis, as many as 80 percent develop dementia. Antidepressants are among drugs commonly prescribed for the disease, along with medication to help control jerky movements.
Dr. Christopher Gomez, neurology chairman at the University of Chicago, said while it makes sense to think that a diagnosis could make someone feel depressed, depression and Parkinson's have a deeper, more organic connection. They are thought to affect the same regions of the brain, although their neurological relationship isn't well understood, he said.
"It's downright curious that there's so much depression in Parkinson's," Gomez said.
Williams had publicly acknowledged periodic struggles with substance abuse, including alcohol. Recently, depression prompted him to enter rehab.
Schneider said that those who loved Williams are taking solace in the outpouring of affection and admiration for him.
"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," she said in her statement.
Williams, whose comic brilliance first gained wide attention on the 1980s sitcom "Mork & Mindy," evolved into a respected dramatic actor who starred in films such as "Good Will Hunting," for which he won an Oscar, "Dead Poets Society" and "Mrs. Doubtfire."
He was invariably upbeat in public and with his friends and colleagues, and was known for his philanthropic efforts and support for U.S. troops and veterans.
Source : Sapa-AP /kd
Date : 15 Aug 2014 08:50
Robin Williams was in the early stages of Parkinson's disease at the time of his death, his wife said Thursday.
In a statement, Susan Schneider said that Williams, 63, was struggling with depression, anxiety and the Parkinson's diagnosis when he died Monday in his Northern California home. Authorities said he committed suicide.
"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," Schneider said.
Schneider did not offer details on when the actor comedian had been diagnosed or his symptoms.
The Marin County Sheriff's Department, which said Williams hanged himself, is conducting toxicology tests and interviews before issuing a final ruling. Lt. Keith Boyd of the Marin County Sheriff's Department did not return phone calls and email messages from The Associated Press seeking comment on Schneider's statement.
Williams' death shocked fans and friends alike, despite his candor about decades of struggle with substance abuse and mental health. With Parkinson's, Williams faced shouldering yet another challenge.
Parkinson's disease is an incurable nervous system disorder that involves a loss of brain cells controlling movement. Tremors, sometimes starting out in just one hand, are among the early symptoms.
It can also cause rigid, halting walking, slowed speech and sometimes dementia. Symptoms worsen over time and can often be treated with drugs.
Actor Michael J. Fox, who has long had the disease and is known for his efforts to fund research into it, tweeted that he was stunned to learn Williams had early symptoms.
"Stunned to learn Robin had PD. Pretty sure his support for our Fdn predated his diagnosis. A true friend; I wish him peace," Fox tweeted.
Pop star Linda Ronstadt revealed in 2013 that she had Parkinson's and said the disease had robbed her of her ability to sing. Boxer Muhammad Ali, the late radio personality Casey Kasem and the late Pope John Paul II are among other well-known figures diagnosed with the disease.
Parkinson's affects about 1 million people nationwide, 6 million globally. The cause isn't known but genes are thought to play a role.
There is no standard test for Parkinson's; doctors rely on symptoms, medical history and neurological exams to make the diagnosis.
Dr. Tanya Simuni, director of the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center at Northwestern University's medical school in Chicago, said patients often react to the diagnosis with surprise and despair.
Depression is often present even in early stages and can sometimes precede tremors that help doctors make the diagnosis, Simuni said.
It's important to emphasize that not everyone who is depressed has Parkinson's or is likely to develop it, she said, especially given "this tragic case" involving Williams in which the two diseases occurred.
She noted that many can live for years without severely debilitating symptoms, but also that 20 years after diagnosis, as many as 80 percent develop dementia. Antidepressants are among drugs commonly prescribed for the disease, along with medication to help control jerky movements.
Dr. Christopher Gomez, neurology chairman at the University of Chicago, said while it makes sense to think that a diagnosis could make someone feel depressed, depression and Parkinson's have a deeper, more organic connection. They are thought to affect the same regions of the brain, although their neurological relationship isn't well understood, he said.
"It's downright curious that there's so much depression in Parkinson's," Gomez said.
Williams had publicly acknowledged periodic struggles with substance abuse, including alcohol. Recently, depression prompted him to enter rehab.
Schneider said that those who loved Williams are taking solace in the outpouring of affection and admiration for him.
"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," she said in her statement.
Williams, whose comic brilliance first gained wide attention on the 1980s sitcom "Mork & Mindy," evolved into a respected dramatic actor who starred in films such as "Good Will Hunting," for which he won an Oscar, "Dead Poets Society" and "Mrs. Doubtfire."
He was invariably upbeat in public and with his friends and colleagues, and was known for his philanthropic efforts and support for U.S. troops and veterans.
Source : Sapa-AP /kd
Date : 15 Aug 2014 08:50
Drifter
Honorary Master
Ohh, thanks
I believe there are 4 more to be released. Dont knoe if it's hearsay, so dont quote me on it.
Drifter
Honorary Master
Cool, thanks ponder.
Spent quite a bit of the weekend on an obituary piece: http://www.mahala.co.za/culture/death-of-a-comic/
Compton_effect
Honorary Master
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2006
- Messages
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I watched Hook and Jumanji with the kids last weekend (Both are easy to find -suddenly Robin Williams movies are in the recommended list on Netflix - even Popeye) . They loved it - actually watched both movies twice.
It was actually spooky to watch - one fight scene in Hook he says 'To die would be a grand adventure.'
My daughter was cheering him on, then looked at me and stopped, and asked 'Why are you sad, daddy?'
I'll explain it to her one day - but I don't think she'll get it.
It was actually spooky to watch - one fight scene in Hook he says 'To die would be a grand adventure.'
My daughter was cheering him on, then looked at me and stopped, and asked 'Why are you sad, daddy?'
I'll explain it to her one day - but I don't think she'll get it.
ToxicBunny
Oi! Leave me out of this...
She won't get it yet.... if ever 
...
...
Fazda
Honorary Master
I wasn't well this weekend, so took advantage of sitting down and watching all of the RW films being shown on DSTv - loved every one of them!
I have always attributed the fact that I went back to teaching after a 2 year break in 1990, to the fact that I went and saw Dead Poet's Society - all of a sudden, I could not see any reason why I should not be in a classroom - never regretted it!
Whilst watching Good Morning Vietnam on Sunday evening, for probably the 5th time, I was once again struck by the freshness of the movie - that film has not dated at all in the past quarter of a century - Robin Williams will certainly be missed.
ToxicBunny
Oi! Leave me out of this...
Watched Good Morning Vietnam on Sunday... my plan to watch Dead Poets Society was scuppered, but it will not be scuppered this weekend.. it WILL be watched.
She will never completely "get it" nor does any person actually because grief is of a very intimate nature. We can't fully understand or feel another persons grief - and that is probably a good thing - but we can have empathy and it is a good thing that she asked why you are sad, because well that is a part of empathy.
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
[video=youtube;G2e_M06YDyY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=G2e_M06YDyY[/video]
Always liked Inside The Actors Studio....gives one good insight into the actor's history and acting methods
Here's Robin back in the day...brilliant
[video=youtube;0IDy5GlUuf8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IDy5GlUuf8[/video]
Here's Robin back in the day...brilliant
[video=youtube;0IDy5GlUuf8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IDy5GlUuf8[/video]
Last edited:
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
ROBIN WILLIAMS PARANOID BEFORE SUICIDE: CORONER
by Michael Thurston
Robin Williams had recently become increasingly paranoid when he committed suicide by hanging himself, coroners said Friday, adding that he had no alcohol or illicit drugs in his system.
There were also signs that the comic actor -- who had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease -- had tried to cut his left wrist, according to an autopsy report.
No suicide note or other indication that he planned to take his own life was found at the scene, it said.
The 63-year-old, known for high-energy, rapid-fire improvisation and clowning, was found dead on August 11 at his home in Marin County, north of San Francisco.
The coroner for Marin County, Robert Doyle, said the investigation into his death had concluded, giving the cause as "asphyxia due to hanging" and the manner of death as "suicide."
"Toxicological evaluation revealed the absence of alcohol or illicit drugs. Prescription medications were detected in therapeutic concentrations," it added in a brief statement.
"His prior medical history reportedly included depression, Parkinson's Disease and a recent increase in paranoia," said a longer coroners' report, which was obtained by AFP.
The report included other details about Williams' medical history, including that he had shown symptoms of Parkinson's since 2011, including a left arm tremor and slowing of left hand movements. He was diagnosed with the disease in November 2013.
"The clinical history is notable for depression, with components of paranoia, compulsiveness and anxiety," it said.
The report gave a detailed description of how Williams' body was found hanging by a belt from a closet door in his stepson's bedroom. It noted that a pocket knife with a 3-inch (7.5-centimeter) blade was found near the body.
"Several superficial vertical and horizontal cuts were seen over the inner aspect of the left wrist; these wounds had a scant amount of blood present," the report said.
Williams had been sleeping separately from his wife partly because he talked in his sleep, sometimes very loudly, it said.
Williams, an Oscar-winner and veteran of movies, stand-up shows and hit television series, was one of Hollywood's most popular entertainers and his death triggered an outpouring of emotion the world over.
A few days after his death, Williams' wife said her husband was suffering from depression and the early stages of Parkinson's disease.
Father-of-three Williams had spoken openly in the past about his battles with alcoholism and drug abuse -- and often drew on them in his stand-up comedy routines.
Star of hit films such as "Good Morning, Vietnam" and "Mrs Doubtfire," Williams had last been seen alive the day before his death by his wife Susan Schneider before she went to bed.
She left the house the next day assuming he was still asleep in a separate room in the home in Tiburon.
Williams' ashes were scattered in San Francisco Bay, according to media reports.
President Barack Obama and the US first family joined the outpouring of grief, calling him "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," Obama said.
Later in August the 66th Emmy Awards paid a heartfelt and somber tribute to Williams, with fellow actor-comic Billy Crystal calling him "the brightest star in the comedy galaxy."
Source : Sapa-AFP /dm
Date : 08 Nov 2014 06:18
by Michael Thurston
Robin Williams had recently become increasingly paranoid when he committed suicide by hanging himself, coroners said Friday, adding that he had no alcohol or illicit drugs in his system.
There were also signs that the comic actor -- who had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease -- had tried to cut his left wrist, according to an autopsy report.
No suicide note or other indication that he planned to take his own life was found at the scene, it said.
The 63-year-old, known for high-energy, rapid-fire improvisation and clowning, was found dead on August 11 at his home in Marin County, north of San Francisco.
The coroner for Marin County, Robert Doyle, said the investigation into his death had concluded, giving the cause as "asphyxia due to hanging" and the manner of death as "suicide."
"Toxicological evaluation revealed the absence of alcohol or illicit drugs. Prescription medications were detected in therapeutic concentrations," it added in a brief statement.
"His prior medical history reportedly included depression, Parkinson's Disease and a recent increase in paranoia," said a longer coroners' report, which was obtained by AFP.
The report included other details about Williams' medical history, including that he had shown symptoms of Parkinson's since 2011, including a left arm tremor and slowing of left hand movements. He was diagnosed with the disease in November 2013.
"The clinical history is notable for depression, with components of paranoia, compulsiveness and anxiety," it said.
The report gave a detailed description of how Williams' body was found hanging by a belt from a closet door in his stepson's bedroom. It noted that a pocket knife with a 3-inch (7.5-centimeter) blade was found near the body.
"Several superficial vertical and horizontal cuts were seen over the inner aspect of the left wrist; these wounds had a scant amount of blood present," the report said.
Williams had been sleeping separately from his wife partly because he talked in his sleep, sometimes very loudly, it said.
Williams, an Oscar-winner and veteran of movies, stand-up shows and hit television series, was one of Hollywood's most popular entertainers and his death triggered an outpouring of emotion the world over.
A few days after his death, Williams' wife said her husband was suffering from depression and the early stages of Parkinson's disease.
Father-of-three Williams had spoken openly in the past about his battles with alcoholism and drug abuse -- and often drew on them in his stand-up comedy routines.
Star of hit films such as "Good Morning, Vietnam" and "Mrs Doubtfire," Williams had last been seen alive the day before his death by his wife Susan Schneider before she went to bed.
She left the house the next day assuming he was still asleep in a separate room in the home in Tiburon.
Williams' ashes were scattered in San Francisco Bay, according to media reports.
President Barack Obama and the US first family joined the outpouring of grief, calling him "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," Obama said.
Later in August the 66th Emmy Awards paid a heartfelt and somber tribute to Williams, with fellow actor-comic Billy Crystal calling him "the brightest star in the comedy galaxy."
Source : Sapa-AFP /dm
Date : 08 Nov 2014 06:18
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
ROBIN WILLIAMS' WIFE, CHILDREN FIGHT OVER HIS ESTATE
Robin Williams' children and wife are fighting over the late comedian's estate in a California court.
In papers filed in December in San Francisco Superior Court, Williams' wife, Susan, accuses the comedian's children from two previous marriages of taking items without her permission. She asks the court to exclude the contents of the Tiburon home that she shared with Williams and was bequeathed to her from the jewelry, memorabilia and other items Williams wanted the children to have.
The children, Zachary, Zelda and Cody, counter that Susan Williams is trying to change the trust agreement and rob them of the late actor's clothing and other personal items.
Williams committed suicide at the Tiburon home in August by hanging himself.
Source : Sapa-AP /avb
Date : 03 Feb 2015 02:55
Robin Williams' children and wife are fighting over the late comedian's estate in a California court.
In papers filed in December in San Francisco Superior Court, Williams' wife, Susan, accuses the comedian's children from two previous marriages of taking items without her permission. She asks the court to exclude the contents of the Tiburon home that she shared with Williams and was bequeathed to her from the jewelry, memorabilia and other items Williams wanted the children to have.
The children, Zachary, Zelda and Cody, counter that Susan Williams is trying to change the trust agreement and rob them of the late actor's clothing and other personal items.
Williams committed suicide at the Tiburon home in August by hanging himself.
Source : Sapa-AP /avb
Date : 03 Feb 2015 02:55
WaxLyrical
Honorary Master
Pathetic. Williams must be puking in his grave.
satanboy
Psychonaut seven
pffft...like he cared.
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
ATTORNEY: ROBIN WILLIAMS' WIFE WANTS HIS WEDDING TUXEDO
By SUDHIN THANAWALA
Associated Press
The wife and adult children of Robin Williams agreed Monday to meet outside court to try to resolve their dispute over a tuxedo he was married in, photographs taken on his 60th birthday and other items belonging to the late actor.
San Francisco Superior Court Judge Andrew Cheng told lawyers for both sides during a hearing to meet before April 10 and enlist the help of a mediator if necessary before returning to court.
In papers filed in December, Susan Williams said the contents of the home she shared with Robin Williams should be excluded from the things the actor left his children from previous marriages.
She also claimed some of her husband's personal items were taken without her permission.
Williams' children countered that Susan Williams was "adding insult to a terrible injury" by trying to change the trust agreement and rob them of items that their father clearly intended them to have.
They said the belongings include clothing, watches, photos taken prior to his marriage to Susan Williams, and entertainment awards.
Attorney Jim Wagstaffe told the judge that Susan Williams has agreed with how hundreds of items should be distributed and was trying to amicably resolve problems involving others. She also said she wants their wedding presents.
"I think we can work our way through this," Wagstaffe said.
Attorney Meredith Bushnell, who is representing Robin Williams' children Zachary, Zelda and Cody, said the public dispute has been excruciating for her clients.
"We would like to see this wrapped up as soon as possible, so they can move on with their lives and continue the grieving process," the attorney told Judge Cheng.
Robin Williams died in August at his home in Tiburon in the San Francisco Bay Area. The coroner ruled his death a suicide. The actor's wife has said he struggled with depression, anxiety and a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
Susan Williams is also seeking clarity on assets and money that will go into a reserve account that she says Robin Williams intended to help pay for maintenance of their home, Wagstaffe said.
The lawyer added that a judge might have to decide what constitutes memorabilia in the dispute.
Andrew Bassak, an attorney for trustees overseeing the estate, argued that the court does not have jurisdiction over the dispute.
Robin Williams was an intensely private individual who gave the trustees absolute discretion over how his personal property was to be distributed, Bassak said.
Source : Sapa-AP /avb
Date : 30 Mar 2015 23:57
By SUDHIN THANAWALA
Associated Press
The wife and adult children of Robin Williams agreed Monday to meet outside court to try to resolve their dispute over a tuxedo he was married in, photographs taken on his 60th birthday and other items belonging to the late actor.
San Francisco Superior Court Judge Andrew Cheng told lawyers for both sides during a hearing to meet before April 10 and enlist the help of a mediator if necessary before returning to court.
In papers filed in December, Susan Williams said the contents of the home she shared with Robin Williams should be excluded from the things the actor left his children from previous marriages.
She also claimed some of her husband's personal items were taken without her permission.
Williams' children countered that Susan Williams was "adding insult to a terrible injury" by trying to change the trust agreement and rob them of items that their father clearly intended them to have.
They said the belongings include clothing, watches, photos taken prior to his marriage to Susan Williams, and entertainment awards.
Attorney Jim Wagstaffe told the judge that Susan Williams has agreed with how hundreds of items should be distributed and was trying to amicably resolve problems involving others. She also said she wants their wedding presents.
"I think we can work our way through this," Wagstaffe said.
Attorney Meredith Bushnell, who is representing Robin Williams' children Zachary, Zelda and Cody, said the public dispute has been excruciating for her clients.
"We would like to see this wrapped up as soon as possible, so they can move on with their lives and continue the grieving process," the attorney told Judge Cheng.
Robin Williams died in August at his home in Tiburon in the San Francisco Bay Area. The coroner ruled his death a suicide. The actor's wife has said he struggled with depression, anxiety and a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
Susan Williams is also seeking clarity on assets and money that will go into a reserve account that she says Robin Williams intended to help pay for maintenance of their home, Wagstaffe said.
The lawyer added that a judge might have to decide what constitutes memorabilia in the dispute.
Andrew Bassak, an attorney for trustees overseeing the estate, argued that the court does not have jurisdiction over the dispute.
Robin Williams was an intensely private individual who gave the trustees absolute discretion over how his personal property was to be distributed, Bassak said.
Source : Sapa-AP /avb
Date : 30 Mar 2015 23:57