
Died at 74
male
Robin McLaurin Williams (July 21, 1951 – August 11, 2014) was an American actor and comedian. Known for his improvisational skills and the wide variety of characters he created on the spur of the moment and portrayed on film, in dramas and comedies alike, he is regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time. He received numerous accolades including an Academy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and five Grammy Awards. Williams began performing stand-up comedy in San Francisco and Los Angeles during the mid-1970s, and released several comedy albums including Reality ... What a Concept in 1980. He rose to fame playing the alien Mork in the ABC sitcom Mork & Mindy (1978–1982). He received his first leading film role in Popeye (1980). Williams went on to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Good Will Hunting (1997). His other Oscar-nominated roles were for Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), Dead Poets Society (1989), and The Fisher King (1991). Williams starred in the critically acclaimed dramas The World According to Garp (1982), Moscow on the Hudson (1984), Dead Poets Society (1989), Awakenings (1990), Patch Adams (1998), Insomnia (2002), One Hour Photo (2002), and World's Greatest Dad (2009). He also starred in family films such as Hook (1991), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Jumanji (1995), Jack (1996), Flubber (1997), RV (2006), and the Night at the Museum trilogy (2006–2014). He lent his voice to the animated films Aladdin (1992), Robots (2005), Happy Feet (2006), and its 2011 sequel. Williams was found dead at his home in Paradise Cay, California, in August 2014, at the age of 63. At the time of his suicide, he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. According to his widow, Williams had experienced depression, anxiety, and increasing paranoia. His autopsy found "diffuse Lewy body disease" and Lewy body dementia professionals said his symptoms were consistent with dementia with Lewy bodies.

Did I steal this idea? That’s a very good question. Define stolen... now if I had taken it that would be physically picking it up and leaving but I didn’t. It could have also been being disrespectful and mean which I am most definitely not. You know, my uncle used to tell me that I was rude before I was famous. My mum however, always told me to follow my heart. And of course it led me here! How lucky for all of you. I’d like to take this time to apologize for anyone who’s thinks I am not a great and powerful man, and I’m sorry that you have a mental issue. Anyway, thank you to all of my followers and fans. I wouldn’t be here today without you. Special shout out to Harry Potter, who of course is my biggest fan. Also to Hermione Granger and Molly Weasley. You two light up my world. Thank you all so much for listening and supporting me through my rough times. You truly all are exceptional human beings. Almost as exceptional as I am but let’s be honest, that isn’t possible. Ta-Ta!

