Remembering Robin Williams

Tributes continue to pour in this morning for Robin Williams. He was found dead yesterday in his home near San Francisco.

Always the cheery face getting big laughs. Behind it all, Robin Williams had been battling severe depression of late, according to his publicist.

Neighbours say he led an ordinary life at home, as a contrast to the extraordinary world he created as an actor and comedian. Coming into fame with the Happy Days character Mork from Ork, which spun off into its own show Mork and Mindy in 1978, he also came into drugs and alcohol and stints in rehab; the most recent, this summer.

From Mrs Doubtfire, to Dead Poet’s Society, he had tremendous range. Although he was known for his rapid-fire improvisation and voices and characters, the Juilliard-trained actor also excelled in dramatic roles, like Good Will Hunting which brought him a best supporting actor Oscar.

In all, Williams’ films grossed more than $5 billion worldwide at the box office.

He supported the troops, and he supported challenged athletes.

So much more than an actor; he was a person who brought joy and laughter to so many.

Investigators say he took his own life. Asphyxiation is the apparent cause; an update is expected later today.