Comedian and actor Robin Williams was found dead at his home in California last night of an apparent suicide. The Oscar winner had battled addiction and depression for many years.
Williams was a timeless performer whose manic onscreen presence made him perfect for roles in children's films as well as material aimed at an older audience. His rise to fame began as a side character, the alien Mork, on Happy Days. Such was the hilarity of his performance that the character was expanded into his own show which ran for four years. It was around this time that he was expanding into stand up comedy, sometimes performing two hours of material with little or no notes, such was the quality of his inventive nature.
Robin Williams' film career also enjoyed massive success, playing leading roles in Good Morning Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, Awakenings, and the Fisher King and Hook. Not content with conquering Oscar circuit Robin also caused a stir among with the younger generation when he starred as the animated Genie in Aladdin and in Mrs Doubtfire in which he played the titular character.
His battle with cocaine addiction and alcohol in the 80's and 90's was a common known fact, appearing as regular fare in his stand up, but culminated in time spent in rehab. He was proud to have have spent many years sober but had a reported relapse in 2006 which lead to him returning to the Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center in Minnesota.
His personal demons were just one part of his rich and varied character however, and he will be remembered for the joy he brought to millions of people over many years. His stand up was often blue but his charm and wit came from the warmest of hearts.
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