Wife Susan Schneider reveals Robin Williams had Parkinson’s disease
Robin Williams’ wife Susan Schneider released a statement earlier today revealing that her husband, who committed suicide Monday afternoon, had been diagnosed with early stages of Parkinson’s Disease. She also said that although Robin still struggled with depression and anxiety, his “sobriety was intact.”
Here is the full statement from Susan:
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.
As far as Robin Williams having financial issues that may have contributed to his decision to take his own life, Robin’s longtime publicist, Mara Buxbaum, spoke with The Wrap yesterday and said, “Robin had no financial problems,” before adding, “We should be blessed to have Robin’s financial status.”
When asked about Robin’s comments about doing the television show The Crazy Ones because he needed the money, Buxbaum pointed out that “Robin often said things in jest, and sometimes it just doesn’t translate in print.” She added, “Robin wanted to do The Crazy Ones because of (show creator) David Kelley and the material. That’s why he took the show … not because he needed the money.”
