Robin Williams’ Wife Reveals He Had Parkinson’s Disease

In a statement released to the media this morning, Robin Williams’ wife Susan Schneider has revealed that the late, great actor was dealing with the early stages of a Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis and that, despite widespread reports Williams was currently enrolled in a twelve-step program, the actor’s sobriety was intact. 

Schneider’s statement comes the day after Williams’ daughter Zelda took extended leave from social media following a spate of unimaginably cruel attacks on her various accounts grotesquely exploiting the circumstances of her father’s death. 

Writes Schneider:

“Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the frontlines, or comforting a sick child — Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid.

Since his passing, all of us who loved Robin have found some solace in the tremendous outpouring of affection and admiration for him from the millions of people whose lives he touched. His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles.

Robin’s sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson’s Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly.

It is our hope in the wake of Robin’s tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid.“

Support and information is available for those requiring assistance regarding mental health issues online at Lifeline or beyondblue or by calling Lifeline on 131 114, Mensline on 1300 789 978 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

via Variety

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