Survivors of Robin Williams’ untimely death are mourning his admirers everywhere. The cherished movie star’s incredibly moving last remarks, which provide a window into his final moments, were recently given by one of his closest celebrity pals.
Actor Robin Williams proved his mettle in tragic parts, and he was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Actor: “Good Morning, Vietnam” (1987) and “The Fisher King” (1991). In the end, his outstanding performance in “Good Will Hunting” (1997) earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Even with his lucrative acting career, he struggled with personal problems like alcoholism. In 2014, Williams participated in a program designed to deepen his commitment to recovery for several weeks at the Hazelden facility in Minnesota.
His stay was not the consequence of a relapse but rather preventive. The star’s agent added, “After working back-to-back projects, Robin is simply taking the opportunity to fine-tune and focus on his continued commitment, of which he remains extremely proud.”
Williams talked up about his battle with alcoholism in an August 2014 interview. In an interview with Diane Sawyer, the comic discussed his 20-year sobriety and his subsequent relapse, stating that it happened gradually.
“It’s the same voice thought that,” he revealed. A small, faint voice can be heard saying, “Jump,” while you stand at a precipice and stare down.” He went on to say that the same voice had persuaded him to have one more drink, but he understood it was not possible for someone like him.
Williams had struggled with alcoholism and cocaine misuse in the early 1980s, but he gave up after his friend John Belushi died from an overdose in 1982. The seasoned actor spent twenty years clean. He clarified that no one incident led to his recurrence. “It’s [addiction] — not caused by anything, it’s just there,” he said.
Williams, who acted with Sally Field in “Mrs. Doubtfire,” explained that addiction is a condition that lurks and is ready to reappear when a person thinks everything is alright. He clarified that things might appear to be fine for a while before abruptly becoming problematic.
Sadly, Williams died on August 11, 2014, at the age of 63, at home in what seemed to be a suicide. He was pronounced dead immediately after responding to an emergency call at midday, according to Marin County Police in California.
The publicist for the Hollywood celebrity disclosed that the actor had been “battling severe depression” prior to his passing. But later on, Susan Schneider, his widow, revealed additional details about his passing.
Schneider learned about a condition that had a significant impact on their lives despite her prior ignorance of it: Lewy body dementia (LBD). The actor had been afflicted with this illness, according to an autopsy performed in October 2014.
“His diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease was made a few months before to his death. But Schneider revealed that to be only the tip of the iceberg.
Williams struggled with major changes in memory, movement, personality, logic, sleep, and temperament; in May 2014, he was misdiagnosed. The true cause remained unknown despite a battery of examinations.
Schneider stated, “None of the doctors knew that there was this ghost disease underlying all of this,” describing the finding of LBD as revealing the cause of his misery. When that was made public, it was similar to learning the identity of my husband’s murderer.”
Ten years have passed since Williams passed away, and Sir Billy Connolly, a friend of his, has since talked about their relationship. The actor revealed in an interview that he was extremely familiar with Williams.
The two got together backstage during a Canadian talk show in the 1970s. Over the years, they remained in contact, with Williams even spending Christmas at Connolly’s house in Scotland.
Later, Connolly learned that Williams, like him, had also been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In an interview from October 2021, the Scottish native said, “There are good days and bad days, and the good days outnumber the bad days,” in response to a question about how it affected his day-to-day existence. I therefore have nothing to be unhappy about.”
When asked what he would have done if he had known Williams intended to commit suicide, the celebrity claimed he wouldn’t have made any changes. “You have to give a guy the position that he’s wise enough to make up his own mind,” he stated. Concerned about whether he would not have made an effort to save his life, Connolly said, “I don’t think so.”
The comedian revealed Williams’ personality type in a September 2014 interview, stating, “He wasn’t always depressed. Despite his complexity, he was a lovely individual. He brought delight.”
During an interview, the TV host revealed that he and Williams talked a lot about their experiences with Parkinson’s disease and that they constantly exchanged ideas over the phone.
Connolly compared their experiences with the disease’s early onset to constantly feeling threatened. He added that they frequently reminded one another of their close connection and that they had shown their affection for one another on several occasions.
Williams made a moving message when the movie star invited Connolly to dinner the week before he passed away, according to Connolly. Connolly discussed their friendship on the BBC show “In My Own Words,” describing it as a “lovely thing” and mentioning that Williams made him feel less “alone” in the comedy industry.
Telling me about their last dinner, Connolly recalled, “He called me and said, ‘Let’s have dinner,’ and during the meal, he told me, ‘I love you.’” I expressed my gratitude. “Do you believe me?” he asked. I said, “Obviously, I do.” “Believe me, I love you,” he said. “That’s great,” I exclaimed.”
Connolly remarked, “I thought ‘how weird, how weird for him to say that, it’s not like his usual.’” in response to the conversation’s peculiar character. On the weekend, he passed away.”
He continues, “It was a sad day in my life because I saw his whole career and it was stunning,” adding that he thinks this was Williams’ way of saying goodbye. He resembled a rocket ship that had just taken flight. He was the greatest person ever.”
In response to Williams’ final remarks, some people on social media commented, “So sad.” Another person made the assumption that Robin Williams wasn’t heard or understood. Everyone who needs to communicate need to have an ear.” One person said, “It is heartbreaking and very difficult to read.”
Numerous people were impacted by Robin Williams’ life and career, and his last hours spent with close friends demonstrated the breadth of his emotional difficulties. Fans around are still moved and inspired by his legacy as a gifted comic and kind person.