Actor Robin Williams, the legendary comic who took his own life on Monday, was reportedly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease around the time of his death, his wife Susan Schneider said in a statement Thursday.
Schneider is speaking out for a second time regarding her husband's death. In the new four-paragraph statement, she revealed that the Oscar-winning actor was suffering from early stages of Parkinson's Disease but was not ready to share information about his sickness, CNN reported.
Williams' widow began the statement by shedding light on Williams' career of making people laugh through movies and stand-up comedy, but she also acknowledged his legacy in bringing happiness to others with personal struggles.
"Robin spent so much of his life helping others," she said. "Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the frontlines, or comforting a sick child - Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid."
She continued: "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."
Schneider concluded by explaining her husband's sobriety was "intact" at the time of his death and also calling him brave for battling his demons - which included depression, anxiety and Parkinson's.
It is her hope that some of the struggles Williams faced can push others to seek help.
"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 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 is survived by his wife and three children from two previous marriages: Zachary Williams, Zelda Williams, and Cody Williams.