As family, friends, co-workers and fans mourn the loss of comedy legend Robin Williams, his passing gives an inside look into the quiet diseases known as depression and addiction.
Williams was found dead at his home in Tiburon, Calif., on Monday at the age of 63. According to the coroner from the Marin County Sheriff's Office, the actor died from asphyxia by hanging. At the time of his passing, chemical substances were found in his system; however toxicology results will not be available for approximately two to six weeks.
"Robin Williams passed away this morning," his rep confirmed. "He has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time."
Williams, who made fans laugh with classic films such as "Ms. Doubtfire" and "Flubber," has been very open about his struggles with depression and revealed that despite his fame, it was impossible to shake the demons of addiction to drugs and alcohol.
The actor recently checked into a treatment center to maintain his sobriety. A representative for the actor said Williams was "simply taking the opportunity to fine-tune and focus on his continued commitment, of which he remains extremely proud."
In 2006, Williams sought treatment for alcohol addiction after a relapse in 2003 that followed 20 years of sobriety. He opened up to TV journalist Diane Sawyer about falling off the wagon after a long period of success.
"It's the same voice thought that...you're standing at a precipice and you look down, there's a voice and it's a little quiet voice that goes, 'Jump,'" Williams said. "The same voice that goes, 'Just one.' The idea of just one for someone who has no tolerance for it, that's not the possibility."
He added: "It's [addiction] - not caused by anything, it's just there. It lays in wait for the time when you think, 'Its fine now, I'm OK.' Then, the next thing you know, it's not OK. Then you realize, 'Where am I? I didn't realize I was in Cleveland.'"
In 2010, Williams explained to Britain's Guardian newspaper that he went back to drinking in 2003 as a result of feeling "fearfulness and anxiety" and believing that taking a drink will "ease the fear."
He told People Magazine that he quit both cocaine and alcohol cold turkey in 1982 before the birth of his son, Zak, with his first wife. As usual, Williams responded with a joke when asked about his recreational drug use saying "Cocaine is God's way of telling you you are making too much money."
In 2003, Williams told Marc Maron during a 2010 WTF podcast that dealing with depression and addiction was a dangerous combination. He also revealed he considered suicide while sitting alone in a hotel room with a bottle of Jack Daniels.
"When I was drinking, there was only one time, where even for a moment, I thought: 'F--k life," he said. "But then even my conscience brain went, did you really just say f--k life? You know you have a pretty good life as it is right now. Have you noticed the two houses? Yes. Have you noticed the girlfriend? Yes. Have you noticed that things are pretty good, even though you may not be working right now? Yes."
Memorials of flowers and notes have appeared around the country, including on his Hollywood Walk of Fame star, with fans paying tribute to the late Oscar-winning actor.
Williams leaves behind wife Susan Schneider and grown children Zelda, Zachary, and Cody.
