Robin Williams passed away yesterday, aged 63.
The actor was said to have been battling “severe depression”.
A statement issued by Williams’ publicist confirmed the news. It read: “Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time”.
A number of well-known names from the acting world and beyond spoke out about their respect for Williams, a truly gifted actor.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, who recently starred alongside Williams in television series The Crazy Ones, released a statement to People magazine.
She said: “My life is a better place because I knew Robin Williams,” Gellar said. “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.”
— Sarah Michelle (@RealSMG) August 12, 2014
President Barack Obama also released a touching tribute, in which he said: “Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between.
“But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien – but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit”.
Other celebrities took to Twitter last night to pay tribute…
I can’t believe the news about Robin Williams. He gave so much to so many people. I’m heartbroken.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 11, 2014
O Captain! My Captain! Rise up and hear the bells. Rise up, for you the flag is flung, for you the bugle trills.
— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) August 11, 2014
I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul.
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) August 11, 2014
Thank you to the beautifully original + brave artist that is #RobinWilliams. You taught us how to stand on the edge, fearless, + shine.
— JARED LETO (@JaredLeto) August 11, 2014
Very sad, very upset, very glad I did not have to hear about this though Twitter. Probably going to be taking some time off it for a while.
— Mara Wilson (@MaraWritesStuff) August 11, 2014
No no. Don’t let this be. RIP my dear Robin.
— Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) August 11, 2014
Robin was as sweet a man as he was funny. If you’re sad, please tell someone.
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) August 11, 2014
His heart was as big as his genius. So sad. Rest in Peace Robin Williams.
— bob saget (@bobsaget) August 11, 2014
We mourn the loss of our friend Robin Williams, who always made us laugh and smile. pic.twitter.com/UOY8LTjVRA
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) August 11, 2014
Famously kind, ferociously funny, a genius and a gentle soul. What a loss. #RobinWilliams
— Michael J. Fox (@realmikefox) August 12, 2014
Genie. You're free. pic.twitter.com/FWQWPDPP42
— Evan Rachel Wood (@evanrachelwood) August 11, 2014
