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The shocking news broke late in the day on Monday, Aug. 11: film star and comedy legend, Robin Williams, had been found dead in his Marin County home due to an apparent suicide. Cause of death was confirmed as asphyxia from hanging in a press conference on Tuesday. Williams was being treated for serious depression, according to his publicist.
Williams’ most recent TV project was CBS’ comedy The Crazy Ones, in which he starred with Sarah Michelle Gellar. That was just his most recent project, returning him to his TV roots. He briefly appeared in The Richard Pryor Show in the ‘70s before starring as the zany but lovable Mork from Ork in Mork & Mindy from 1978-1982, a successful spin-off of Happy Days.
From there, Williams became a film star, taking on such roles as Popeye, Dead Poets Society, Hook, Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire, Night at the Museum and Good Will Hunting, which earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Williams was also a prolific standup comedian, with acts and TV specials running from the ‘80s through just a few years ago. Robin Williams: Live on Broadway broke records in 2002 for sold-out tickets, and his shows sometimes sold out as quickly as 30 minutes after going on sale.
Since Monday, Williams’ star on the Walk of Fame in Los Angeles has been covered with flowers and notes. Fans, co-stars and fellow comics headed immediately to social media to share their feelings, with Twitter and Facebook feeds blowing up within moments of the news breaking on Monday night. A few of those tweets and posts are below:
His daughter, Zelda, posted a heartfelt tribute to her father on Twitter:
— Zelda Williams (@zeldawilliams) August 12, 2014
Other celebrities and brands who have worked with Williams over the years posted similar messages:
The Academy:
Genie, you’re free. pic.twitter.com/WjA9QuuldD
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 12, 2014
Comedy Central:
#RIPRobinWilliams pic.twitter.com/Qez9PVGVnU
— Comedy Central Press (@ComedyCentralPR) August 12, 2014
Team Coco:
Sesame Street:
We mourn the loss of our friend Robin Williams, who always made us laugh and smile. pic.twitter.com/UOY8LTjVRA
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) August 11, 2014
Henry Winkler:
Robin Williams was like no other ..To watch him create on the spot was a privilege to behold.. Robin you are an angel now !!! REST IN PEACE
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) August 11, 2014
Ellen DeGeneres:
I can’t believe the news about Robin Williams. He gave so much to so many people. I’m heartbroken.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 11, 2014
Sarah Michelle Gellar:
— Sarah Michelle (@RealSMG) August 12, 2014
Bob Saget:
His heart was as big as his genius. So sad. Rest in Peace Robin Williams.
— bob saget (@bobsaget) August 11, 2014
Neil deGrasse Tyson:
Mork from Ork: Rare evidence that aliens can be smart, clever, articulate & funny. Robin Williams, RIP
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) August 11, 2014
Steve Martin:
I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul.
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) August 11, 2014
Andy Cohen:
Can you think of anybody more full of life than Robin Williams!?!? So sad.
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) August 11, 2014
Rob Schneider:
Without #Robin Williams there wouldn’t have been a Comedy scene in San Francisco, Robin paved the way. He was the best of all of us
— Rob Schneider (@RobSchneider) August 11, 2014
Lena Dunham:
Just shared a moment of silence on the set for Robin Williams, a man who brought so much laughter, joy and healing to so many.
— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) August 12, 2014
Mindy Kaling:
I am named after a character from a Robin Williams TV show when my parents still lived in Africa. He meant so much, to so many, so far away.
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) August 12, 2014
President Obama:
“Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny ... and everything in between. But he was one of a kind.” —President Obama
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 12, 2014
David Letterman:
Remembering our good friend, Robin Williams. pic.twitter.com/2wPGtOPR5Y
— Letterman (@Letterman) August 12, 2014
Mara Wilson (his daughter in Mrs. Doubtfire):
Very sad, very upset, very glad I did not have to hear about this though Twitter. Probably going to be taking some time off it for a while.
— Mara Wilson (@MaraWritesStuff) August 11, 2014
Ron Howard:
We lost Robin…1st witnessed his genius as he created Mork B4 our eyes in 2 hrs on set. A Force. A Sweet Soul. A Brilliant Artist. RIP
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) August 12, 2014
Lastly, take a walk down memory lane as Johnny Carson welcomes Williams to his first appearance on The Tonight Show:
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