QueenZone discussion #1394151

Actor Robin Williams was found dead from an apparent suicide in his Tiburon, California home earlier today. He was 63. From the Marin County Sheriff's Department: On August 11, 2014, at approximately 11:55 am, Marin County Communications received a 9-1-1 telephone call reporting a male adult had been located unconscious and not breathing inside his residence in unincorporated Tiburon, CA. The Sheriff's Office, as well as the Tiburon Fire Department and Southern Marin Fire Protection District were dispatched to the incident with emergency personnel arriving on scene at 12:00 pm. The male subject, pronounced deceased at 12:02 pm has been identified as Robin McLaurin Williams, a 63 year old resident of unincorporated Tiburon, CA. An investigation into the cause, manner, and circumstances of the death is currently underway by the Investigations and Coroner Divisions of the Sheriff's Office. Preliminary information developed during the investigation indicates Mr. Williams was last seen alive at his residence, where he resides with his wife, at approximately 10:00 pm on August 10, 2014. Mr. Williams was located this morning shortly before the 9-1-1 call was placed to Marin County Communications. At this time, the Sheriff's Office Coroner Division suspects the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia, but a comprehensive investigation must be completed before a final determination is made. A forensic examination is currently scheduled for August 12, 2014 with subsequent toxicology testing to be conducted. Williams's publicist released a statement this afternoon confirming the actor's death: "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." His wife, Susan Schneider, also confirmed the news: "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. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions."

The Real Wizard wrote: When will we as a society finally start treating mental illness like a broken ankle? We have to stop eating up the people who bring immeasurable joy and reflection to our lives. A brilliant comedian and actor. RIP.

thomasquinn 32989 wrote: Horrible, I have no other words for it. And only yesterday, I had to attend the funeral of a 22-year old friend who died of a self-inflicted accident. This is not a nice week...:-(

musicland munich wrote: They honered him today in Germanys top news show. The annoucer stood on her desk like in the fab movie.

inu-liger wrote: This is one of my favourite skits

Panchgani wrote: Robin William had early stage Parkinson's disease (at age 63) on top of a lifetime struggling with substance abuse and severe depression. link

Panchgani wrote: Robin Williams also paying massive amounts of alimony from two failed marriges, while only performing bit roles in movies.

The Real Wizard wrote: Even as a proud Canadian I found that hilarious. That entire Live On Broadway show just brilliant. His comments on Germans (where are all the funny Germans? You killed them all) are similar. I'm still not sure how I ultimately feel about him perpetuating poor stereotypes like this. I'm sure he was smart enough to know that regardless of a comedy skit, people will either be dumb enough to drink the kool aid or smart enough to know the difference between stereotype and truth. No comedian is going to cure American xenophobia, so why not just unite them make them laugh? That got me thinking. Can anyone find a non-American comedian who uses cultural stereotypes in their A material? Besides Russell Peters, of course..