Robin Williams committed suicide, coroner confirms

LOS ANGELES - Comic actor Robin Williams committed suicide by hanging himself and had no alcohol or illicit drugs in his system at the time of his death, coroners said Friday.

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 T. 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.

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, his friend and fellow actor-comic Billy Crystal calling him "the brightest star in the comedy galaxy."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Robin Williams a 'true Disney Legend,' CEO says

The chairman and chief executive officer of the Walt Disney Company joined celebrities and fans across the globe in expressing sadness over the untimely death of actor-comedian Robin Williams.

In a statement posted on Disney.com, Robert Iger referred to Williams as a “true Disney Legend,” noting his role as Genie in Disney’s hit animated film “Aladdin” and as an alien in “Mork & Mindy.”

The website also posted a photo of Genie and Aladdin hugging each other.

“We’re deeply saddened by the loss of Robin Williams, a wonderfully gifted man who touched our hearts and never failed to make us laugh. An incredible actor and a comedic genius, Robin will always be remembered for bringing some of the world’s favorite characters to life, from his zany alien on ABC’s Mork & Mindy to the irascible genie in Disney’s Aladdin.

“He was a true Disney Legend, a beloved member of our family, and he will be sorely missed,” Iger added. “We join Robin’s friends and fans everywhere in mourning, and offer our thoughts and condolences to his family during this difficult time.”

Williams was found dead on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) from an apparent suicide at his home in Northern California. He was 63.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

What Robin Williams thinks of Filipino women

MANILA – Beyond the impact of his movies and television shows on Pinoy audiences, the late actor-comedian Robin Williams has deep connections to Filipinos.

Williams, who passed away on Monday, was married to a woman of Filipino lineage for almost 20 years. In 1989, he tied the knot with Marsha Garces, who is Filipino-Finnish.

“She’s Finnipino… You get lechon with white fish,” he said in jest in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer published in 2006.

“I have to say the Philippine women are very hot… Whew! They’re wonderful,” he added.

Williams met Garces while she was working as a nanny for his first son, Zachary. They have two children, Zelda and Cody.

Despite getting divorced in 2008, Williams said he and his children still make it a point to keep in touch with his Filipino kin.

In a separate interview with Inquirer in 2011 – right after his honeymoon with his third wife, graphic designer Susan Schneider – Williams even praised his former father-in-law and called him “a great man.”

“My ex-father-in-law, Leon, was amazing. They (my kids) keep up with the Filipino part of my family,” he said.

Days before his death, Williams posted an old photo of his daughter with Garces, Zelda, as a birthday greeting.



Zelda, for her part, posted a quote and a message on the photo-sharing site after learning of her father’s passing.

 source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Actor Robin Williams found dead in apparent suicide: sheriff

(Reuters) - Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams was found dead on Monday from an apparent suicide at his home in Northern California, Marin County Sheriff's Office said. He was 63.

The sheriff's coroner's division said it suspects the death was a suicide due to asphyxia, but the cause of death is still under investigation.

Last month, the "Good Will Hunting" actor, who has struggled with addiction in the past, entered a Minnesota rehabilitation center to help him maintain sobriety.

His representatives at the time said Williams was not using drugs or alcohol but had gone to the center to "fine-tune and focus" his sobriety after working a longer-than-usual schedule.

(Reporting by Eric Kelsey; Editing by Mary Milliken and Ken Wills)