Actor and comic Robin Williams found dead at 63

August 12, 2014

The US comedy actor was found dead yesterday by the, California Sheriff's Office, apparently by asphyxiation. Williams had been suffering from and announced he would re-engage in a.

Williams was the star of a whole series of comedy films winning an for his role in ' and  for his acting in ', ', and '. As well as films and television, Williams did stand-up comedy and appeared on chat shows; he appeared on the finale of 's tenure hosting .

Williams' initial claim to national fame was his role in  where he played an alien who comes to earth, falls in love and gets married to a woman, Mindy McConnell, played by.

Susan Schneider, Williams' wife, said: "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."

President Barack Obama paid tribute to Williams: "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 &mdash; but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most &mdash; from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalised on our own streets. The Obama family offers our condolences to Robin's family, his friends, and everyone who found their voice and their verse thanks to Robin Williams."

Comedian tweeted: "I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul."

tweeted: "I can't believe the news about Robin Williams. He gave so much to so many people. I'm heartbroken."

Born in 1951, Williams leaves behind his third wife, and three children: daughter Zelda, 25, and two sons—Zachary, 31, and Cody, 19.