LOS ANGELES, Calif. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Robin Williams was in the early stages of Parkinson's disease before he died, his wife revealed on Thursday.
The actor and comedian was found dead from a suicide on Monday. He was 63.
Williams' wife, Susan Schneider, released a statement Thursday that revealed he was in the early stages of the disease.
"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," Schneider wrote. "His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles."
Since his death, his friends and fans around the world have been posting tributes online and in person. A makeshift memorial was set up in Boston at a bench in the Public Garden where he filmed an iconic scene with Matt Damon in the movie "Good Will Hunting." Williams won an Oscar for his role as therapist Sean Maguire in that film.
Schneider's full statement is below:
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.
Cox Media Group
