It’s no surprise that people still talk about Robin Williams and his incredible life, wondering how things might have been different if fate had taken a kinder turn. His legacy continues to spark conversations and emotions long after he left us.
Billy Connolly, a close friend and comedian, shared the last words Williams ever spoke to him, revealing how heartwarming they were. “It’s true that humor and Robin Williams go hand in hand,” he said.
Throughout his vibrant career, Williams became one of the funniest people ever to light up our screens. Even ten years after his death, audiences still find themselves laughing at the hilarious and quirky characters he brought to life. His comedy mixed gut-busting laughter with moments that were strange, wonderful, flawed, and fabulous.
But beneath the laughter, tragedy lurked in Williams’ life, leading him to feel that life was no longer worth living. On August 11, 2014, the world was shocked to learn that he had been found dead at home, a heartbreaking incident that appeared to be a suicide. He was just 63 years old. Despite achieving great success in acting, Williams faced battles that haunted him.
He struggled with alcoholism, even while shining in his career. In 2014, Williams went to the Hazelden facility in Minnesota for three weeks to focus on his recovery. He had previously faced substance abuse issues, battling both alcohol and cocaine in the early 1980s. After the tragic overdose of his friend John Belushi in 1982, Williams decided to quit using drugs, but his struggles continued.
Following Williams’ death, his representative revealed that he had been “battling severe depression.” His wife, Susan Schneider, shared heartbreaking details about his last months, including the fact that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease just a few months before he passed away.
An autopsy later showed that he had Lewy body dementia, which caused significant changes to his personality, mobility, mood, memory, and sleep patterns.
The news of Williams’ passing left a deep impact on many people, especially his close friends and family. One person who felt this loss profoundly was Sir Billy Connolly, who also has Parkinson’s disease. When asked what he would have done differently if he had known Williams was thinking of suicide, Connolly said, “You have to give a guy the position that he’s wise enough to make up his own mind.”
He added, “I don’t think so,” when discussing whether he would have tried to save Williams’ life.
At 81 years old, Connolly reflected on his friendship with Williams, revealing that they often talked on the phone about their experiences with Parkinson’s and shared how much they loved and cared for one another. During an appearance on the BBC program In My Own Words, he reminisced about their last conversation.
“A week before he died, he called me to ask if I wanted to have dinner,” Connolly remembered. “I love you,” Williams said when he invited him over. Connolly thought back on that moment fondly. “Do you believe me?” Williams asked. “Obviously, I do,” Connolly replied. “You have my undying love,” Williams declared. Connolly thought, “That was great, in my opinion.”
However, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. “How strange, how strange for him to say that. It’s not like him normally,” Connolly recalled. Tragically, he added, “He died during the weekend. I hope you find peace, Robin Williams.”
Though his life was filled with challenges, Robin Williams will always be remembered for the joy he brought to others. His laughter and warmth continue to shine brightly, reminding us all of the importance of love and connection in the face of life’s struggles.
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