Robin Williams had Parkinson's Disease
The late Robin Williams and his wife Susan Schneider in happier times. Susan has revealed that Williams had the early stages of Parkinson's Disease at the time of his death. PHOTO | BANG SHOWBIZ
What you need to know:
- She released a statement, saying: "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."
- Robin, 63, was found at his home in California with a belt wrapped around his neck on August 11 and Susan hopes his tragic death will encourage other people to seek help before their own troubles become too much.
Robin Williams' wife has revealed he had Parkinson's Disease at the time of his death.
Susan Schneider admits her husband, who committed suicide earlier this week, was in the "early stages" of the illness but was not ready to announce it publicly.
She released a statement, saying: "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."
Robin, 63, was found at his home in California with a belt wrapped around his neck on August 11 and Susan hopes his tragic death will encourage other people to seek help before their own troubles become too much.
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."
SEVERE DEPRESSION
The late Robin Williams was reportedly sleeping up to 18 hours a day and "wasn't eating" in the weeks before his death, as he was so depressed.
The actor, whose body was found by his personal assistant after he hanged himself at his home in Tiburon, California on Monday, also "wasn't eating" in the weeks before taking his own life due to his severe depression.
A source told gossip website RadarOnline.com: "Robin had been suffering from depression and would often sleep a majority of the day and night. His bedroom had black out curtains, because Robin didn't want light in his bedroom.
"He wasn't eating and was just having problems getting out of bed. He would often complain that he was just so tired, even after sleeping 20 hours."
The 'Mrs. Doubtfire' actor sought relief from his personal struggles in his work for much of his life.
VERY PRIVATE FUNERAL
The insider said: "Robin's comedic talent came from the sadness he had in his personal life . . . the laughter was his coping mechanism.
Meanwhile, Susan is reportedly planning a "very private" funeral in the Bay Area of San Francisco for the 'Mrs. Doubtfire' star, and family members, including his 31-year-old son Zak, have begun flying into town ahead of the service.
It is believed the memorial will be intimate and for close friends and family - including his younger children Zelda, 25, and Cody, 22 - only.
A source said: "It's not official yet, but that's the plan. It will be small. They were both very private people."
