Caffeinated Clint
Robin Williams was in the earliest stages of battling Parkinson’s disease, the late actor’s wife Susan Schneider revealed today in a statement.
Williams was not ready to announce the news publicly, according to Schneider.
Robin spent so much of his life helping others. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Michael J.Fox, whose battle with Parkinson’s was one he kept quiet about for seven years, tweeted the following in response to the news :
Stunned to learn Robin had PD. Pretty sure his support for our Fdn predated his diagnosis. A true friend; I wish him peace.
— Michael J. Fox (@realmikefox) August 14, 2014
Everyone’s still playing the guessing game when it comes to the reasons behind Williams suicide – did the cancellation of his TV show play a part? had he lost enthusiasm for doing movies? Was this new diagnosis the thing that pushed him? – but what they don’t understand is that depression isn’t necessarily tied to one factor or combination of.. it just is. It’s a disease works in dark, complex ways – meaning it could’ve just as easily been a ‘bad weekend’ that triggered Williams, just as much as it could’ve been the axing of “The Crazy Ones”. Does it matter? No. What matters is that Williams’ death mean something now – and that those suffering in silence, covertly dancing with depression, get help. It’s nothing top be ashamed of – in fact, as soon as you take those first steps into the office, or try that alternative plant to beat the blues, you’re already on your way.
Take care of yourself,all.
