Robin Williams dead: Latest news and reaction as it emerges actor was 'tormented by money worries'
- The Hollywood actor died at home in California on Monday after committing suicide following a severe battle with depression
9:19 am
Frances Bean Cobain offers support to Zelda Williams
The 21-year-old artist - who was just 20 months old when her father, Nirvana rocker Kurt Cobain, committed suicide - told Zelda Williams she will be there for her "wherever, whenever" after her actor dad took his own life on Monday.
Frances - whose mother is Hole rocker Courtney Love - tweeted: "@zeldawilliams You have such an incredibly beautiful soul. I love you but you already knew that. Wherever, whenever u need me I'll be there (sic)".
Zelda, 25, has released a lengthy statement in tribute to her dad in which she admitted she will "never, ever understand" his actions.
8:11 am
Russell Brand on Robin Williams
Russell Brand has reflected on the late actor's tragic death.
In a column for The Guardian, the comedian writes: "He spoke candidly about his mental illness and addiction, how he felt often on a precipice of self-destruction, whether through substance misuse or some act of more certain finality. I thought that this articulate acknowledgement amounted to a kind of vaccine against the return of such diseased thinking, which has proven to be hopelessly naive."
It ends: "What I might do is watch Mrs Doubtfire. Or Dead Poets Society or Good Will Hunting and I might be nice to people, mindful today how fragile we all are, how delicate we are, even when fizzing with divine madness that seems like it will never expire."
7:27 am
Zelda Williams says she's deleting Twitter after receiving cruel tweets.
In a post she later deleted, the 25-year-old asked her followers to report two users.
"I'm sorry. I should've risen above. Deleting this from my devices for a good long time, maybe forever. Time will tell. Goodbye," she then wrote to her thousands of followers early on Wednesday morning.
6:59 am
Zelda: "He was always warm, even in his darkest moments"
Yesterday Robin's 25-year-old daughter Zelda released a statement along with her two brothers.
The statement begins: "“My family has always been private about our time spent together. It was our way of keeping one thing that was ours, with a man we shared with an entire world. But now that’s gone, and I feel stripped bare. My last day with him was his birthday, and I will be forever grateful that my brothers and I got to spend that time alone with him, sharing gifts and laughter.
"He was always warm, even in his darkest moments. While I’ll never, ever understand how he could be loved so deeply and not find it in his heart to stay, there’s minor comfort in knowing our grief and loss, in some small way, is shared with millions. It doesn’t help the pain, but at least it’s a burden countless others now know we carry, and so many have offered to help lighten the load. Thank you for that."
6:15 am
During a press conference yesterday, Lieutenant Keith Boyd of the Marin County coroner’s office said: “The preliminary results of the forensic examination supported physical signs that Mr Williams’ life ended from asphyxia due to hanging.”
There was no sign of a struggle, Mr Boyd revealed. But police refused to say if Robin left a suicide note or whether any drugs were found nearby. Toxicology tests will be carried out later.
The actor had fought battles against booze and drugs in the past but had been sober for 20 years.
5:20 am
Smith issued the following apology follow criticism of his remarks.
"I would never presume to know anything about his private life. And if any of his family members and friends were to have seen me use the word “coward,” I would be horrified.
"I would just like to apologize to the end of the earth to anyone who might think that I meant to openly call him a coward," he told Mediaite.
"To the core of my being, I regret it. It just came out of my mouth. And I’m so sorry. And to anyone and their families who see that, I am sorry."
4:17 am
Fox anchor Shep Smith wonders whether COWARDICE could have been behind Robin Williams' decision to commit suicide.
He has since apologised for the comment, which has been heavily criticised.
‘One of the children he so loved, one of the children grieving tonight because their father killed himself in a fit of depression,’ Smith said.
‘You could love three little things so much, watch them grow, they’re in their mid-20s, and they’re inspiring you, and exciting you, and they fill you up with the kind of joy you could never have known.’
‘You could love three little things so much, watch them grow, they’re in their mid-20s, and they’re inspiring you, and exciting you, and they fill you up with the kind of joy you could never have known.’
‘And yet, something inside you is so horrible or you’re such a coward or whatever the reason that you decide that you have to end it. Robin Williams, at 63, did that today.’
3:25 am
Williams' first son Zak, 31, said: "Yesterday, I lost my father and a best friend and the world got a little grayer. I will carry his heart with me every day. I would ask those that loved him to remember him by being as gentle, kind, and generous as he would be. Seek to bring joy to the world as he sought."
And his 23-year-old son Cody added: "There are no words strong enough to describe the love and respect I have for my father. The world will never be the same without him. I will miss him and take him with me everywhere I go for the rest of my life, and will look forward, forever, to the moment when I get to see him again."
2:45 am
The DJ portrayed by Robin Williams in 'Good Morning Vietnam' says the star simply played himself in the hit movie.
Speaking after new of Williams' death broke yesterday, Adrian Cronauer revealed that the 63-year-old Holllywood legend was deliberately kept away from him during filming of the movie to avoid him simply mimicking the DJ.
Cronauer co-wrote the original story for the film Good Morning, Vietnam, which was based on his experiences as a DJ for US forces during the Vietnam war from 1965 to 1966.
2:35 am
While he may have struggled with his finances, Robin had made sure his children would be cared for.
In 2009 the Oscar-winner had drawn up a document outlining their payments but made sure they only received the cash in stages.
When they were 21, they received a third of their trust funds. Four years later they were given half of what was left.
1:54 am
Williams' daughter Zelda has tweeted to thank those who have donated money to the St Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis Tennessee in memory of her father.
1:48 am
Launched by a Harper’s Bazaar cover when she was a 19-year-old model, Bacall was born to Jewish immigrants in New York in 1924 and initially worked as an usherette.
Bacall - real name Betty Perske - was signed by Warner Bros. in 1943 and two years later married Humphrey Bogart.
The pair remained together until his death from esophageal cancer in 1957.
1:30 am
Daughter Zelda posted a moving tribute to her dad on her Instagram page. She posted a quote from The Little Prince writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, which read: “You, you alone have the stars as no one else has them...
“In one of the stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars are laughing, when you look at the sky at night. You, only you, will have stars that can laugh.” She added underneath: “I love you. I miss you. I’ll try to keep looking up.”
12:47 am
Tributes yesterday piled up outside Williams' home yesterday as fans struggled to come to terms with the death of the popular entertainer, who had been seeking treatment for his depression.
Flowers, notes and a small white teddy bear were placed on the pavement that was packed with TV crews.
One letter in a child’s handwriting, surrounded by flickering electric candles, read: “I am sorry Robin Williams died. I loved Mrs Doubtfire. I heard he was a great and a funny guy. Love Fletcher.”
12:07 am
Former US president Bill Clinton has tweeted to voice his gratitude for the life of Robin Williams.
His message is one of many similar tributes offered to the late actor by figures from the world of politics.
To misquote Kipling, Williams had an incredible ability to walk with kings but keep the common touch.
11:54 pm
Robin divorced Valerie in 1988 after 10 years together. They had a son Zachary, now, 31. He married Zachary’s nanny Marsha Garces in 1989 and they had two children, Zelda, 25 and 22-year-old Cody.
The couple split in 2008. Robin once said of the break-ups: “Divorce is expensive. I used to joke they were going to call it ‘all the money,’ but changed it to ‘alimony’.
11:51 pm
A family friend who recently spoke to Robin told a US website: “All he could talk about were serious money troubles. There were clearly other issues going on and Robin sounded distant during the telephone conversation. Robin was known for being so generous to his friends and family during the height of his success, and would help anyone out that needed it.
“There was also frustration Robin expressed at having to take television and movie roles he didn’t want to take, but had to for the pay cheque. Doing sequels was never Robin’s thing, and he wasn’t that excited at having to reprise the role of Mrs Doubtfire, which was scheduled to start filming later this year.”
11:43 pm
The Mrs Doubtfire star had put his beautiful California ranch with a five-bed villa and vineyard on sale due to the divorce payments to ex-wives Valerie Velardi and Marsha Garces. Friends also said he was an incredibly generous person who gave cash to help others.
And the dad-of-three, who had not been on TV since 1982 when he starred in Mork & Mindy, had returned as an ad man in the The Crazy Ones, which was dropped after just one series. Robin was also due to reprise his role as Mrs Doubtfire for a sequel to the film.
11:28 pm
The tragic comedy legend had told of his misery at having to return to TV at the age of 63 and take on film roles he did not want because two divorces had cost him £20mllion.
The Mrs Doubtfire star had put his beautiful California ranch with a five-bed villa and vineyard on sale due to the divorce payments to ex-wives Valerie Velardi and Marsha Garces.
Friends also said he was an incredibly generous person who gave cash to help others.
10:34 pm
Monty Python veteran Terry Gilliam has called Robin Williams the most extraordinary and unique person he has ever met.
The director and screenwriter says the actor and comedian is 'irreplaceable'.
9:43 pm
It will now be a number of weeks before we are given confirmation about the exact cause of the actor's death.
Speaking tonight, Keith Boyd, the assistant chief deputy coroner, said: "The preliminary results of the forensic examination revealed supporting physical signs that Mr Williams' life ended from asphyxia due to hanging.
"Toxicology testing will be conducted to determine if Mr Williams had any chemical substances in his system at his time of death. Toxicology results will not be available for approximately two to six weeks while the testing is being performed.
"Please note this is an active investigation into the cause, manner, and circumstances of Mr Williams' death. The final cause and manner of death will not be certified until the conclusion of the investigation which is several weeks away."
8:47 pm
It was also confirmed during the press briefing that Williams had been suffering from depression and the coroner's office would be investigating his medical history.
Many people are now leaving tributes to the actor outside his home. It comes after neighbours revealed the actor 'looked terrible' shortly before his death.
8:11 pm
Christopher Bucktin
Neighbours of Robin Williams have said he was “exceptionally gaunt” and looked a “shell” of his former self.
Speaking through tears, one resident thought to be one of the last to see him alive said: “He popped out briefly but Robin looked terrible.
“He had lost all his weight and look exceptionally gaunt.
“It was as though there was nothing behind his eyes, just a shell.”
7:59 pm
It also emerged during the press briefing that a pocket knife was found close to the actor's body.
The assistant chief deputy coroner said he would not discuss "the note" or "a note" as the investigation is on-going.
Toxicology results will not be available for two to six weeks to allow for full tests to be carried out, and Mr Boyd said the final cause and manner of the death would not be certified until the conclusion of the investigation.
7:41 pm
Here is a recap of the details which emerged during the press briefing:
- Actor committed suicide in a room at his California home - it was asphyxia due to hanging
- He was found clothed, in a seated position, in a room of the home by his personal assistant
- She had become concerned for his welfare after he failed to respond to her knocks at the door at 11.45am
- He was pronounced dead by firefighters at 12.02pm
- The Oscar-winning actor also had a number of cuts to his wrists
7:31 pm
This image shows Keith Boyd, the assistant chief deputy coroner, speaking to reporters at the scene.
After the actor was confirmed dead at the scene, his body was taken to a nearby morgue where a forensic examination took place.
It confirmed that there were no signs of a struggle.
7:26 pm
The star's graphic designer wife returned to the home shortly after he was confirmed dead.
The assistant chief deputy coroner said: "She was aware of his passing at a very early time and returned to the scene."
7:22 pm
Keith Boyd, the assistant chief deputy coroner, also revealed that the actor had a number of cuts to his wrists.
He confirmed Robin's wife Susan Schneider went to bed at 10.30pm on Sunday night. The pair were the only people in the house.
They both went to different rooms in the house. Mr Boyd says the actor would have died at some point between 10.30pm Sunday night and noon yesterday.
7:14 pm
He was found clothed and in a seated position.
The deputy coroner has confirmed he committed suicide by hanging himself.
There were no injuries to indicate that he had been involved in a struggle.
A toxicology text to indicate if any drugs or alcohol were in the actor's system will now be carried out.
7:12 pm
The actor's wife left the home at 10.30am.
But at 11.45am, Robin William's personal assistant became concerned about his well-being after he failed to respond to knocks on the door.
She then gained access to the bedroom and found him dead in a chair.
7:10 pm
The press conference is now underway.
Marin County Sheriff's office say he was seeking treatment for depression before his death.
His wife had left his home shortly before he was found dead thinking he was still asleep.
6:37 pm
A press conference is due to take place at 7pm UK time in which the police will reveal more details about the actor's death.
We will bring you live updates as we get them.
6:27 pm
This video shows the emotional moment American talk show host Conan O’Brien tells his audience about the death of Robin Williams.
The show was being filmed as news of the actor's death emerged.
A clearly upset O’Brien then told his audience, with audible gasps heard from those inside the studio.
He said: “I’m sorry to anyone in our studio audience that I’m breaking this news. This is absolutely shocking and horrifying.”
5:34 pm
Fox News host Shepard Smith has told of his regret after making controversial comments about Robin William's death.
Speaking last night, he said: "It’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? You could love three little things so much, watch them grow, they’re in their mid-20s, and they’re inspiring you, and exciting you, and they fill you up with the kind of joy you could never have known.
"And yet, something inside you is so horrible or you’re such a coward or whatever the reason that you decide that you have to end it. Robin Williams, at 63, did that today."
The host, normally a favorite of the internet, was criticised by Twitter users.
He later apologised for his comments: "To the core of my being, I regret it. It just came out of my mouth. And I’m so sorry. And to anyone and their families who see that, I am sorry."
5:03 pm
This picture of Robin with Crystal the monkey, his Night at the Museum co-star, is now thought to be the last known picture of the star.
It comes as new details emerge about the star's death.
4:27 pm
It is now being reported that the actor was found hanging inside his home.
TMZ also reports that Robin did not leave a suicide note.
Reports also suggest the actor had not been seen in public since his birthday three weeks ago.
4:03 pm
Here is another of the actor's selfies.
Robin looked happy and relaxed in this picture with fellow comedian Cheryl Hines.
She had made a guest appearance on his show The Crazy One's.
3:42 pm
The death of Robin Williams has clearly devastated many of the actors and actresses who he has worked with in the past.
Sarah Michelle Gellar starred alongside Robin on TV for a year, but said she will remember the experience forever. She also posted a tweet featuring a series of pictures of the pair.
Gellar, who played Williams’ daughter and advertising partner on CBS’ ‘‘The Crazy Ones,’’ said: "This is without question, the hardest few words I have ever tried to write.
"My life is a better place because I knew Robin Williams. To my children he was ‘‘Uncle Robin,’’ to everyone he worked with, he was the best boss anyone had ever known, and to me he was not just an inspiration but he was the Father I had always dreamed of having.
"There are not enough adjectives to describe the light he was, to anyone that ever had the pleasure to meet him. I will miss him everyday, but I know the memory of him will live on. And to his family, I thank them for letting us know him and seeing the joy they brought him.
"Us Crazy Ones love you. God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
3:29 pm
Here is another wonderful selfie of Robin with actress Melissa Leo.
The pair worked together in the 2013 film The Angriest Man in Brooklyn.
3:18 pm
It must be a pretty strange business growing up with a Hollywood star, but here young Zelda Williams takes it all in her stride.
This shot shows Williams walking his daughter in the early 1990s, in costume and on set for the comedy smash Mrs Doubtfire.
Zelda probably wondered why she had two mommies that year...
3:16 pm
We've posted plenty of pictures of the photogenic funnyman today.
Now we've lined up a rather wonderful selection of selfies and candid shots of Robin Williams.
As is always the case with Hollywood stars, pictures like these are much more interesting than the posed up publicity shots...
First up, you just can't go wrong with one man and his monkey.
3:13 pm
And to round out our top five Robin Williams lines, here's something that's less funny and more inspirational.
You've probably seen it doing the rounds on Twitter today, and with good reason.
"No matter what anyone tells you, words and ideas can change the world."
3:10 pm
Number four on our favourite Robin Williams lines.
This one was heard repeatedly in interviews in the mid 1990s when he had a financial dispute with Disney over getting paid for playing Genie in the smash hit Aladdin.
"The only reason Mickey Mouse has four fingers is because he can't pick up a cheque."
3:02 pm
Number three on our favourite Robin Williams lines, this one from 1979 comedy album "Reality...What a Concept". Yes, that's right, he even made albums.
Some of you will get this - the rest of you aren't old enough yet.
"I'd like to start the show by showing you something I'm very proud of. You'll have to step back, though."
2:58 pm
Number two on our top five favourite Robin Williams lines is this gem from his legendary standup show on Broadway. Take it away Robin....
"Jesus was an only child. Thank God! Who would want to be Jerry, the brother of Christ? That's a tough gig - 'Come on, Jerry, we're going to the beach'.
"Jesus's gonna walk on the water, feed everybody, heal them and get a whole bunch of disciples. I'll sit there with a rash and sand in my a**. Great day for me!"
2:54 pm
You'll see plenty of people posting their favourite Robin Williams lines, so here's five of ours.
Let's start with a little something from Adrian Cronauer, the character he played in the classic Good Morning Vietnam.
"Sometimes you've got to specifically go out of your way to get into trouble. It's called fun."
Amen, brother.
2:48 pm
Robin Williams befriended and inspired generations of comedians with his delivery, wit and love of humanity which ran through everything he did.
And performers from across the comedy spectrum have reflected on his vast talent.
Marcus Brigstocke wrote: "A comedian from top to bottom, inside and out funny & wonderful."
Josie Lawrence said: "RIP Robin Williams. I look at his photo and give him a smile every time I go down the stairs of The Comedy Store."
And Jim Davidson tweeted: "How very sad to hear of the death of Robin Williams. I worked with him in the US. He was a genius. He was the best."
2:46 pm
One place you can guarantee Robin Williams's death can be felt is the Edinburgh Fringe.
The month long arts festival will be packed with comedians who have either worked with or admired the Hollywood star.
One comedian summed up many artist's feelings towards the tragic American star this month.
On the eve of this year’s Fringe, Canadian comedian Tom Stade told how Williams' generous nature once helped him overcome stage fright.
He told Esquire magazine: “My manager got me on a show with Robin Williams at Stand Up New York. I was on the bill with Ray Romano and Chris Rock and I was freaking out.
"Robin Williams came over and said, 'You’re nervous man. I’d be nervous too, but listen: if you’re gonna be a star you might as well start acting like one.'
"Now every time I go on I think are you gonna give them this nervous guy, or are you gonna make them think they just witnessed something?”
2:40 pm
Hollywood legend Meryl Streep has paid tribute to Robin Williams saying it's ''hard to imagine unstoppable energy stopped.''
''He was such a generous soul,'' she told American news show Today's Matt Lauer.
Streep recalled how Williams was roommates with Superman star Christopher Reeve at Juilliard, and remained friends with Reeve and his wife, Dana. She noted that she had never worked with him herself.
Today was one of many news outlets that recounted the friendship between Williams and Reeve on Tuesday, a day after Williams died of an apparent suicide at 63.
Presenter Willie Geist recalled how after Reeves' crippling accident in 1995, as he awaited a risky surgery, Williams cheered him up by slapping on a latex glove and pretending to be a proctologist.
2:27 pm
An episode of cartoon comedy Family Guy about Robin Williams featuring a failed suicide attempt went out at almost exactly the time his death was announced.
Viewers were shocked over the unfortunate timing after watching the episode called Fatman and Robin, where Peter Griffin is cursed with the ability to turn everything he touches into Robin Williams.
For more on the story, click here.
2:02 pm
Talksport presenter Alan Brazil is in hot water after saying he had 'no sympathy' for the apparent suicide of Robin Williams.
The former footballer was speaking during the show this morning when the subject of Williams's death came up.
We'll have more on this shortly but for now, listen to the interview yourself.
1:45 pm
More on the unfortunate trending of Robbie Williams on Twitter following Robin's death today.
What at first seemed like potentially genuine confusion now just appears to be trolling.
A number of Twitter users who have made poor taste jokes about Robbie 'dying' have been condemned.
For more on the story, click here.
1:40 pm
One of Hollywood's greatest living directors has described Williams as a "genius" today.
Steven Spielberg, who directed the late comic in the 1991 film Hook, called the actor "a lightning storm of comic genius" saying "our laughter was the thunder that sustained him".
"He was a pal and I can't believe he's gone," he added.
1:37 pm
Robin Williams even had the royal seal of approval it seems.
The Prince of Wales, who met Williams several times, has joined the voices praising the comedian.
Today he said: "He was a remarkable man, whose wonderful frenetic humour brought a special kind of laughter into people's lives.
"I greatly enjoyed meeting him on several occasions and his irreplaceable contribution to life will be greatly missed by countless people, including myself."
1:33 pm
Robin Williams' daughter Zelda Williams paid tribute to her father in a touching Instagram post.
The 25-year-old actress shared a quote from Antonie De Saint-Exuprery's book The Little Prince with her 40, 087 followers.
"You - you alone will have the stars as no one else has them... In one of the stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing."
To read more about Zelda's relationship with her father, read our story here.
And if you want to know where her unusual name came from, watch the video below. If your first thought ran to video games, you're not wrong.....
1:29 pm
More video goodness from the master Robin Williams.
Here we look at ten of his best loved or most critically acclaimed films.
The list has some films you'll expect, and a few that you might not.
To see what we've gone for, click here to remind yourself why we're all talking about Robin.
1:25 pm
For our younger readers, the TV show Mork and Mindy was Robin Williams's first big success.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s he played the alien Mork in the hugely popular sitcom.
As was common in American TV shows of the period, every week Mork learned an important lesson.
This one, about loneliness, seems rather profound in hindsight.
1:17 pm
The actor Who Played Rufio in 'Hook' has written a loving tribute to Robin Williams.
Hook, directed by Steven Spielberg in 1991 and starring Williams as a grown up Peter Pan, was not a huge success.
But it proved a great experience for one of the actors who worked along side the late comedian, Dante Basco
He said: "I was lucky to work with him as an actor and witness first hand the magic of what made him a legend, the wit and other worldly improv skills.
"With 'Hook' and so many other films, I, like millions of others became a fan and was always delightfully surprised by the performances he managed to produce, but with his passing, I can't help to feel, along with my generation* I can't help feeling like it's the death of my childhood. I guess we can't stay in Neverland forever, we must all grown up.
"But I just want to bid a sorrowful farewell to one of the greatest I've been able to work with and be around and I'll always remember my time with you as some of the greatest moments in my life and just like the rest of the world, I'll remember you with joy and laughter."
1:11 pm
Now this is a lovely picture, of two entertainment legends who are sadly no longer with us.
Robin Williams is of course on the right and on the left is many people's favourite Superman, Christopher Reeve.
Reeve - who died in 2010 after a riding accident left him quadriplegic - is here seen giving Williams a TV award for Mork and Mindy.
1:08 pm
He may not have had classic Hollywood good looks, but the camera loved Robin Williams as much as anyone.
There are some great archive pictures doing the rounds so we'll dig out some of the best for you here.
This shot was taken after filming Saturday Night Live - a launch pad for many of America's biggest comedy stars - back in 1978.
1:04 pm
Whenever a great actor dies, people will inevitably want to revist their films or see what all the fuss is about if they haven't seen much of their work.
With more than 80 films to choose from, Robin Williams will keep your Netflix account busy for days.
To see a few of our suggestions, click here.
12:46 pm
Well, it had to happen didn't it?
People on Twitter have begun tweeting about ROBBIE Williams's 'death' following the apparent suicide of Robin Williams.
At least some of them though, appear to just be jokes in poor taste.
12:34 pm
Meet the women who shaped Robin Williams's life.
Despite his Hollywood funnyman persona, the father-of-three Robin lived a turbulent private life at home, having gone through three marriages and two divorces.
To read about the five women who are the inspiration behind the star, click here.
12:23 pm
Robin Williams fans have paid tribute to the late actor by writing lines from one of his best films at the spot they were delivered.
The actor was best known for his comedy roles but won an Oscar following his powerful performance in the 1997 film Good Will Hunting.
For the full story on the imaginative tributes, click here.
12:20 pm
Robin Williams's wife Susan Schneider has paid loving tribute to her ''husband and my best friend" - as her superstar partner was found dead in an apparent suicide.
She said: “This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken."
For the full story on her moving words, click here.
12:17 pm
US President Barack Obama paid a moving tribute to Robin Williams following news of his death this morning.
In a statement released by the White House, Obama said the Hollywood legend "made us laugh and made us cry."
Offering condolences from him and his family, the President said Williams "gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most."
To read the full story on the praise from the President, click here.
12:15 pm
Today we're continuing to pay tribute to the late comic actor Robin Williams.
The 63-year-old Hollywood megastar passed away last night, tragically of an apparent suicide.
The world has been saying thank you to the man who kept them entertained for decades.
And we'll continue to bring you the best of those tributes, along with classic clips and pictures from the Robin Williams archive.
11:42 am
It's always interesting to go behind the cameras and here we see Robin Williams between takes on Good Will Hunting.
Posted by @MakingOfs, it shows the actor on set during the filming of the 1997 classic.
This particular scene is set in his character's office.
11:27 am
Robin Williams was a Twitter user himself, with an incredible 1.28m followers.
Touchingly, his final tweet was wishing his daughter Zelda a happy birthday 12 days ago.
The tweet links to a black and white picture, posted on Instagram, of dad and daughter when she was a toddler.
Well wishers have been posting tributes on the account given todays sad events.
11:20 am
Well, it didn't take long for the tasteless jokes to start did it?
Here's one reportedly from an Arsenal fan, who thinks the Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie should have died instead.
Since the post was made, and condemned on Twitter, the user's account appears to have been suspended.
11:16 am
Formula 1 driver Jenson Button is the latest big name to pay tribute to Robin Williams this morning.
The McLaren team members wrote: "So very sad to hear about the passing of Robin Williams.
"A man who made so many people laugh and smile like he did will be sorely missed."
10:36 am
Even the London Underground is showing how much it cared about Robin Williams.
Thousands of commuters no doubt saw this message posted on a board more commonly used to tell us about delays on the District Line.
The quote, from Williams himself, reads: "I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up alone. It's not.
"The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel alone."
10:31 am
And last, but certainly not least, on our Robin Williams clip countdown is Good Morning Vietnam.
This 1987 classic launched a million imitations of 'Gooooood Morning' but none can recreate Williams's infectious magic here.
Enjoy this clip from what is arguably his best film.
10:29 am
This is the one that won him the Oscar - Good Will Hunting.
Famously written and starring the then very young Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, this drama gave Williams the role of a lifetime.
This wonderful speech praises the virtue of experience - even that means loss - over being a kid who thinks he knows everything.
A warning before viewing though - the language gets adult at four minutes in.
10:19 am
And now we get to the really good stuff - number six is Dead Poets Society.
Yes, I know we've already posted a scene from this 1989 masterpiece today.
But if you go away and see one film from this list you've never watched before it should be this one.
Just don't blame us if you're boss doesn't appreciate you standing on your desk tomorrow.
10:15 am
With such a large than life personality, Williams was accused of hogging the spotlight more than once in his career.
But he clearly enjoyed a good double act, as we can see here in the 1996 comedy The Birdcage, number five on the countdown.
The film, a remake of the French farce La Cage aux Folles if you were wondering, paired Williams with actor Nathan Lane to great effect.
10:10 am
Ok this one is a little less well known, but he still won a Golden Globe for it.
Number four on the Robin Williams classic countdown is The Fisher King.
Directed by Monty Python's Terry Gilliam, this fantastic fantasy came out in 1991 and is one of his best.
10:05 am
If there's one thing Robin Williams is almost as famous as his comedy for, it's his hairiness.
Let's be honest, the man like a beard. Continuing our favourite film clip countdown at number three we have Jumanji, where he starts off sporting a particularly wild man look.
This kids film from 1995 tells the story of a board game that comes to life.
9:58 am
Number two on the Robin Williams greatest hits is Aladdin.
He plays the voice of the Genie in this 1992 Disney animated film.
Celebrity voices in cartoons may be pretty commonplace these days but at the time he was arguably the the biggest name to have done it.
9:55 am
Now we're going to start counting down some of our favourite Robin Williams clips.
So many to choose from, but they'll hopefully show just why the late comic was so popular.
To kick off we'll start with one of his biggest successes, Mrs Doubtfire, the 1993 comedy where he played - spoiler alert - a man in drag.
9:46 am
Film director Ron Howard has spoken of the time he worked with Williams on the hit comedy Happy Days, where they both had their big break.
In a message posted online, he said: "We lost Robin - first witnessed his genius as he created Mork before our eyes in two hours on set. A Force. A Sweet Soul. A Brilliant Artist."
Comedy film-maker Judd Apatow said: "Isn't it mind-blowing how many times and ways Robin Williams touched your life with his work? For so long. What a gift he gave."
Omid Djalili recalled that Williams mistook him for Alexei Sayle each time they met. "Had the pleasure of Robin Williams' company five times. Each time he exclaimed 'Alexei!" and gave me a hug. I never corrected him," he said.
Hollywood actor Michael Keaton said: "Just so damn sad. This guy made so many people happy. There will always be that."
9:41 am
Robin Williams's neighbours have paid tribute to the 'nice, normal guy' they lived next door to.
"It wasn't like having a celebrity," said neighbour Sonja Conti who said the actor would often ask about her dog and nicknamed him "Dude."
To read our full story about what his neighbours had to say, click here.
To read our full story about what his neighbours had to say, click here.
9:21 am
Robin Williams had been in discussions to make a follow up to one of his most successful films, Mrs Doubtfire.
Earlier this year the 63-year-old star had been meeting with screenwriter David Berenbaum about the sequel to his hit 1993 comedy - in which he played a man who masqueraded as an older female nanny in a bid to get close to his kids - and a second draft was reportedly underway.
To read out full story on the film, click here.
9:11 am
With a career as long and successful as Robin Williams's it's hard to pick the highlights.
But here are some of our favourite moments from his illustrious career, and some of the tributes coming from fellow celebrities this morning.
Clearly we all have one thing in common - the man made us laugh.
9:09 am
Tributes continue to pour in from the world of entertainment.
X Factor judge David Walliams said he had the "huge pleasure" of spending time with Williams in Los Angeles with fellow Little Britain star Matt Lucas.
He said on Twitter: "I was so in awe of him but he was so sweet and humble.
"We saw Robin Williams perform unannounced at comedy clubs in LA. His talent was breathtaking & I have never seen such love from an audience."
Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane said: "The world just got a lot less funny. Robin Williams is a tragic loss."
And comedian Simon Pegg called him a "true great", posting a YouTube link to a scene from Good Will Hunting.
9:08 am
Robin Williams wasn't shy of a song and a dance now and again.
His pipes weren't his strongest point that he wouldn't let that get in the way of a good laugh.
Here he is from the Oscar ceremony back in 2000, performing the classic song "Blame Canada" from the South Park movie. The song notoriously lost out on the little golden statue to Phil Collins...
9:01 am
Speaking of Stephen Fry, the giant of British comedy has paid tribute himself this morning.
He said: "Devastating news about @robinwilliams - knew him a little and liked him a whole lot more. A brain wired like no other and so so kind."
And another British comdy favourite, Rory Bremner said: "Really saddened to hear Robin Williams has died. He was a Catherine wheel of comic energy - brilliant, irrepressible, inspired. A true genius.
"His imagination was like electricity - flowed through him, lit him up, sparked wildly, consumed him. He inspired my generation."
8:59 am
Now here's a great double act we sadly won't get to see any more of.
Stephen Fry is best known for his partnership with Hugh Laurie, but here he does a great turn with Robin Williams on the Michael Parkinson chatshow back in 2002.
This is supposed to be Fry's interview, but perhaps to compensate for the hideous lime green jacket, Williams pretty much hijacks the whole thing.
8:53 am
Of course Robin Williams was much more than a comedian.
He is as much loved for the many inspirational films he made, that all share a theme of seizing the day.
Good Will Hunting and the less well known the Fisher King are great examples, but none more so than the classic Dead Poets Society.
Expect to hear the phrase 'Oh Captain my Captain' a lot today....
8:51 am
This picture says it all really.
It's one of the many great images of Robin Williams that you will see today.
The man had a face made for laughter.
8:47 am
British comedian Jason Manford has urged people who feel depressed to seek help, in the wake of Robin Williams's apparent suicide.
In a lengthy post on his Facebook page, he wrote: "Please seek help. No one will think you're being melodramatic, I swear. For some people, every day is a bad day and they get through it, but sometimes they stop getting through it."
To read our full story on Manford's thoughts, click here.
8:42 am
Comedy clubs and venues across the United States are finding their own ways to say goodbye to the late comic.
Expect to see plenty of signs like this where ever there are old school 1950s cinema lettering.
Williams will have played many of these venues over the year, including the Laugh Factory.
8:40 am
The famous Hollywood comedy club the Comedy Store was where Robin Williams and many other huge names cut their teeth.
The store has been posting archive material on its Twitter page all morning, with some great shots from the 1970s and 1980s.
Here's just a few, with a notable shot of Williams with another comedy legend who died before his time, Richard Pryor.
Once you've spent all day Googling Robin Williams, check out Pryor's stand up too. It's not for the faint of heart!
8:33 am
England star and Queens Park Rangers player Rio Ferdinand has retweeted this rather great picture.
It was originally posted by Williams on his Twitter profile, comparing the fashion virtues of Kim Kardashian with Mrs Doubtfire.
Kim can pull off a lot of looks but this definitely wasn't one of them...
8:29 am
Stars of the music world are also paying tribute to Robin Williams.
The comedian's demons are well documented, having had battles with drugs and drink.
Here Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess makes a good point.
8:26 am
Of course the most tragic part of Williams's death is that he appears to have taken his own life.
For anyone thinking of doing the same it's important to remember that there is help out there.
The Society for Suicide Prevention is just one of the many organisations that will be providing advice.
8:26 am
One Direction singer has paid tribute to Robin Williams this morning.
Writing on his Twitter profile, he wrote: "One of my all time favourites. A genius that will be so missed".
So far the message has been retweeted more than 77,000 times.
8:26 am
Arguably Robin Williams's greatest talents was his ability to improvise with hilarious results.
It was often when he went 'off script' that he was at his funniest.
Children of the 1990s may well remember this classic clip, when the Hollywood star appeared on the Channel Four morning show the Big Breakfast.
What follows is eight minutes of greatness with the puppets Zig and Zag, with Williams sailing pretty close to the wind for 7.30am…..
Check out the bit where Zig asks about Robin' notoriously hairy arms.
7:54 am
Now this, is an amazing picture.
In one of the world's most unlikely pairings, here's Robin Williams with rap icon Eminem.
For those not up on their hip hop knowledge, the guy on the left is fellow Detroit rapper Proof.
As the song goes, pretty fly for a white guy....
7:50 am
Floral tributes have been left outside the family home this morning.
Robin Williams lived in the San Fransisco Bay area with his wife Susan Schneider.
No doubt that pile of flowers will only get bigger in the coming days as people pay their respects.
7:44 am
If you've ever wondered why Robin Williams chose such an unusual name for his daughter, here's the typically unusual explanation…
Robin was a big fan of the Nintendo video game series Legend of Zelda, that has been going strong since the 1980s.
So much so, that when a new game was released on the Nintendo 3DS in 2011, father and daughter made a video for the company explaining where the name came from.
Especially given todays sad events, it's rather touching.
7:40 am
Robin Williams's daughter Zelda has paid tribute to her father.
The 25-year-old actress shared a quote from Antonie De Saint-Exuprery's book The Little Prince with her 40, 087 followers on Instagram.
To read our story about her moving words, click here.
7:36 am
Forest Whitaker: "He gave us joy"
Robin's former co-star Forest Whitaker has expressed his sadness following the actor's death.
Forest, who starred alongside Robin in 1987 film Good Morning, Vietnam, said: "The world has lost a special soul, Robin touched our hearts, he gave us laughter, he gave us joy, he made us think about the impossible.
"I'm blessed to have been able to walk inside his universe. He forever changed the world with his presence.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to all those who hold him dear."
7:29 am
If you were alive in the 1980s, this was probably the coolest moment of your life.
Robin Williams first big success was playing an alien in the sit com Mork and Mindy. The character had a number of cross overs with the most popular show of the time, Happy Days.
This is the moment when Mork met the coolest man on the planet, Arthur Fonzarelli....
7:23 am
Here's a great picture of some of America's funniest men.
From left - and shame on you if you don't recognise all of them! - you've got Mike Myers, Chris Rock, Williams of course and Billy Crystal.
It just shows how Williams wasn't just loved by his fans, but his peers as well.
7:19 am
Williams had recently returned to television with a new comedy programme called The Crazy Ones.
His co-star was former Buffy The Vampire Slayer actress Sarah Michelle Gellar.
Gellar has posted a sweet montage of pictures of the two of them on her Twitter profile, mostly candid shots from the production of the show.
7:14 am
Robin Williams, like many of the best performers, was someone who could appeal to all ages.
Here is appearing on the much-loved children's television show Sesame Street.
This is one of a number of appearances Williams made on the show, teaching an important lesson about conflict.....
7:11 am
Hollywood heart throb Johnny Depp has joined the A-Listers paying tribute to Robin Williams.
On his Twitter profile, Depp said: "The world lost a legend of an actor and an extraordinary man today. Rest In Peace Robin Williams."
He also posted this rather fantastic black and white picture from the 1980s, with Williams in drag "cheerleading" for the Denver Broncos American football team.
It seems Mrs Doubtfire wasn't his first stab at drag....
6:38 am
Robin Williams had some pretty famous fans by the looks of it.
None more so than the President of the United States himself, Barack Obama.
Here the world's most powerful man makes reference to some of the actor's most famous films, including Good Morning Vietnam and Mrs Doubtfire
6:34 am
Here's a nice nod to one of Robin Williams best loved performances, particularly for children of the 1990s.
The comedian voiced the character of the Genie in the Disney hit animated film Aladin.
Having big name Hollywood actors voice cartoon characters is commonplace these days, but Williams was one of the first.
6:31 am
American news channel ABC has landed itself in trouble for its coverage of the comedians death.
Immediately after the shocking death by apparent suicide of Oscar-winning actor Robin Williams, his family released a statement in which they asked for ''privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.''
ABC News followed this with a red banner on their homepage reading, ''Watch Live: Aerials of Robin Williams' Home.''
Screenshots of the banner, which could be seen above an article including the family's privacy request, quickly went viral, leading to a storm of social media outrage.
Here's just one example.
6:27 am
The world is waking up to the sad news that American comedian Robin Williams has sadly passed away.
Expect thousands - if not millions - of tributes to pour onto Twitter today.
This quote is particularly nice; "You're only given one little spark of madness. You musn't lose it."
6:24 am
If you really want to see why Robin Williams was so respected, YouTube is an absolute gold mine of classic clips.
No doubt we'll be dipping into it throughout the day to show you some of the highlights of one of the most gifted comics of his generation.
Here's an early clip from the hugely popular Johnny Carson show, that shows Robin Williams's first appearance.
Enjoy.
6:12 am
Ben Stiller has left several tributes to his friend Robin Williams on Twitter.
His sentiments echo the sense of shock and loss across Hollywood and around the world.
6:02 am
Welcome to our live blog with all the news and updates following the tragic death of Robin Williams.
Hollywood was in mourning last night after Oscar-winning actor and comedian Williams was found dead at his Californian home after apparently committing suicide following a severe battle with depression.
The Good Will Hunting star was just 63 years old.
His wife, graphic designer, Susan Schneider led tributes to the actor last night, saying the world had lost one of its most beloved artists.
Susan, who married the star in October 2011, said: “This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings.
“I am utterly heartbroken.
“On behalf of Robin’s family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief.
Williams, born in Chicago, shot to fame playing alien Mork in the TV series Mork & Mindy,and went on to establish a successful career in both stand-up comedy and feature film acting.
Twitter has been flooded with tributes to Williams from stars of film, sport and politics, including US President Barack Obama, who praised Williams' talent and generosity.
Actress Lindsay Lohan thanked Williams for the kindness he showed her when she made her Hollywood debut, and "Kevin Spacey praised his ability to make us both laugh and think
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