Robin Williams Update

Robin Williams was in the early stages of Parkinson's Disease when he died of an apparent suicide, his wife has revealed.

In a statement, Susan Schneider said, in part, "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 elsewhere in her statement that she hopes her husband's death encourages others who are struggling with depression and other issues to seek help.

"Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the front lines, or comforting a sick child — Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid," she writes. "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."

She added, "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.”

Williams was found dead in his home on Monday; he had apparently hung himself.