Actor and comedian Robin Williams, 63, was found dead in his home in Triburon, California, on Monday, according to a release from local police.
Late Monday evening, the Marin County Sheriff’s office released a statement that suggests Williams's death may have been a suicide by asphyxiation. Around 11:55 a.m., responders received a 911 call reporting that a man was unconscious in his home. Shortly after, at 12:02 P.M., Robin Williams was pronounced deceased at the scene.
"On August 11, 2014, at approximately 11:55 am, Marin County Communications received a 9-1-1 telephone call reporting a male adult had been located unconscious and not breathing inside his residence in unincorporated Tiburon, CA. The Sheriff's Office, as well as the Tiburon Fire Department and Southern Marin Fire Protection District were dispatched to the incident with emergency personnel arriving on scene at 12:00 pm. The male subject, pronounced deceased at 12:02 pm has been identified as Robin McLaurin Williams, a 63 year old resident of unincorporated Tiburon, CA.An investigation into the cause, manner, and circumstances of the death is currently underway by the Investigations and Coroner Divisions of the Sheriff's Office. Preliminary information developed during the investigation indicates Mr. Williams was last seen alive at his residence, where he resides with his wife, at approximately 10:00 pm on August 10, 2014. Mr. Williams was located this morning shortly before the 9-1-1 call was placed to Marin County Communications."
Williams's wife, Susan Schneider, confirmed the news Monday evening. "This morning, I lost my husband and best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken," she wrote in a statement. "On behalf of Robin's family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions."
Williams first gained widespread acclaim as an actor in 1978 for his quirky performance as the alien Mork on Happy Days spin-off program Mork & Mindy. In 1998, he won the Academy Award for best supporting actor for his role in Good Will Hunting, as therapist Sean Maguire. Williams also received Oscar nominations for his performances in Good Morning, Vietnam (1987),Dead Poets Society (1989) and The Fisher King (1991).
The Chicago-born actor attended the prestigious program at Juilliard, and was just one of two pupils accepted that year. (The other was Christopher Reeve, who became a dear friend.)
Williams’s distinctive humor brought laughter to millions. As an actor he was known for a quick wit and impulsive comedic approach. Producers would reportedly leave blank moments in scripts so that Williams could do as he did best: improvise. “No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world,” the actor once said.
Williams had suffered from substance abuse problems since the 1980s, notably with cocaine and alcohol, and was sober for mroe than two decades before a relapse in 2006. In July 2014, Williams checked into a Minnesota rehab to "fine-tune and focus on his continued commitment" to sobriety, according to his publicist. As of late the actor had been battling severe depression, according to a statement released Monday evening by his press rep, Mara Buxbaum.
Last fall, Williams debuted his CBS comedy, The Crazy Ones, which wasn’t picked up for a second season. He had recently signed on to resurrect his role as Mrs. Doubtfire in a sequel. The third installment of the Night at the Museum franchise, featuring Williams as the fast-talkin’ Teddy Roosevelt, is set for release this December.
Fellow actors and comedians took to social media to express their sadness over the loss. Fans are also sharing condolences on the last photo Williams posted to Instagram, of him and his daughter, Zelda.
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Men Admit Stealing Paul Walker Crash Car Part
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Walker and his friend Roger Rodas died on November 30
Walker and his friend Roger Rodas died on November 30
Two men have pleaded guilty to stealing part of the Porsche that Fast & Furious star Paul Walker was travelling in when he died.
Los Angeles County prosecutors said 26-year-old Anthony Janow and 18-year-old Jameson Witty each pleaded no contest to grand theft, destroying evidence and obstructing a peace officer.
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The judge suggested each man will be sentenced to around six months in jail.
Walker and his friend Roger Rodas died on November 30 when the Porsche Carrera GT crashed into a tree in the Los Angeles suburb of Santa Clarita.
Prosecutors said Janow and Witty stole a roof panel from the car when a tow truck was stopped at a red light.
The lawyers said a sheriff's deputy had told them they could not take any part of the vehicle.
Filming on Fast & Furious 7 finished last month. Walker's two brothers were used for scenes which were to have involved the actor.
The film is due for release in April 2015.
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dimanche 10 août 2014
NEWS/ Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Previews Shark Week Tribute for Paul Walker—Watch Now!
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Dwayne Johnson is paying tribute to his dear friend, Paul Walker, in a very special way.
The Fast & Furious star took to Instagram Saturday evening where he shared a short video clip that honors Walker's dedication to marine life.
"[I] Was moved to shoot this very special intro to one of Paul Walker's final missions for shark and marine conservation," Johnson wrote on Instagram. " #DiscoveryChannel #SharkWeek #ProtectingThatWhichILove #MissYouBrotherPaul."
In the video shot for Discovery's Shark Week, which kicks off Sunday night, The Rock looks back at the actor's life both on and off screen.
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Alex J. Berliner/AP Images
"Paul Walker was not only an incredible actor, dear friend, loving and devoted father..." he explains, "but he was also a champion for shark and marine life conservation whose efforts inspired so many."
Walker had been involved with sharks and Shark Week in the years prior to his death.
In fact, long before he made it big in Hollywood, Walker studied marine biology in college. He would later use his celebrity for good by participating in The BillFish Foundation.
Walker's life was cut short when he passed away in a car crash on Nov. 30, 2013. He is expected to appear in the upcoming Fast & Furious 7 movie.
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samedi 26 juillet 2014
Paul Walker's Death Was 'Heartbreaking' Says Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson; 'Audience Will Be Happy, Emotionally Moved by Fast 7'
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Actor Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.
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In a Reddit AMA Wednesday to promote his latest movie "Hercules," which opens in theaters Friday, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson revealed that losing actor Paul Walker for "Fast and Furious 7" was "heartbreaking," but fans will be happy and emotionally moved by the movie when it's released next April.
"Finishing Fast and Furious without Paul was very bittersweet. His death was heartbreaking and in a way, informed us that we should be even more grateful for every waking minute and hug our loved ones and friends just that much tighter and stronger," Johnson noted in the Reddit AMA.
Actor Paul Walker arrives for the British premiere of "Fast & Furious" in Leicester Square in London March 19, 2009.
"I truly feel audiences will be very happy and emotionally moved by Fast 7. I'm proud of the movie we made - proud of my fellow actors, director, studio partners and hardworking blue collar film crew. The truth is, like all movies - Fast and Furious will come and go and hopefully, leave an incredible movie legacy behind," he continued.
"To me, the #1 most important thing I care about is making sure his daughter has stability in her life and good solid men around her to help raise her in the wake of Paul's passing. (MYB)," he ended.
On the subject of his current movie however, Johnson described playing Hercules as his most demanding role, particularly because of a rough injury he suffered weeks before he started shooting.
"Hercules was by far my most demanding role. I knew that going in though – so I was prepared to go the distance and commit. 6 months of hard core training, prep and diet. Chariot, sword and combat training as well," he noted.
The Rock on the set of Hercules.
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"What I didn't count on was the injury that occurred 6 weeks before shooting (tore two tendons from my pelvis) which then ultimately led to my abdomen wall weakening which cause 3 hernia tears. So wrap all that up into a big ass ball of fun pain and you have the most challenging role I've ever had. ;)," he explained.
"Also when I arrived on set in Budapest in a physical peak I was happy with for the character, I had to maintain that look for the next 5 months. Very taxing on the body - physically, mentally and every which way in between. Funny thing is, if I had to do it all over again… I'd do it twice. Only I'd add a freaking cheat meal once a week or so," he said.
samedi 5 juillet 2014
Jessica Alba Fondly Remembers Her Former Co-Star Paul Walker: He Was Really A 'Guy's Guy'
This warms our hearts!
It's been over 7 months since Paul Walker died, but he has not been forgotten.
Those closest to him and those who worked with him, like Jessica Alba, remember him as a down-to-earth gentle soul.
"He had a real childlike innocence and he was game to try anything or do anything. He treated everyone with respect and love. He was never treating anybody differently because of who they were. He was really a guy’s guy. And loved his daughter so much and talked about her all the time. He never cared about Hollywood. He never cared about the hype.”
Ah. We definitely lost a good one!
Between all his humanitarian work, his noted devotion to his daughter, and all the swwet words that have been pouring from famous mouths, there is no doubt he left his mark on the world in his short life.
We miss you, Paul!!!