Robin Williams Dead at Age 63

This is a tough one. Robin Williams is dead at 63, apparently by suicide.

The Marin County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division released a statement about Williams' death citing "a suicide due to asphyxia" but noting that a full investigation would come.

Williams' wife, Susan Schneider, also released a statement on her husband's death, saying: "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."

In a world where it seems like celebrities are dying all the time, Williams' death hits differently. It hits harder. It was a loss when Philip Seymour Hoffman, one of the finest actors of his generation, died months back, but Williams is someone many of us grew up with. I think I knew that Williams was an actor before I even knew what actors were. He's just always been there. Mrs. Doubtfire. Jumanji. Flubber. The Aladdin movies. I eventually learned that Williams wasn't just some guy who did funny voices — he was a real actor. An Oscar-winning actor. That scene where his character keeps repeating "It's not your fault" in Good Will Hunting? That's an actor.

And now he's gone.

Robin Williams made the world a little bit better. RIP.

— Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) August 11, 2014

O Captain, My Captain.

— Marc Webb (@MarcW) August 11, 2014

His heart was as big as his genius. So sad. Rest in Peace Robin Williams.

— bob saget (@bobsaget) August 11, 2014

Stunned and saddened. #RIPRobinWilliams

— Ken Jeong (@kenjeong) 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

Robin was as sweet a man as he was funny. If you're sad, please tell someone.

— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) August 11, 2014

RIP @robinwilliams You were one of the very best that ever was. You were one of my heroes. #RobinWilliams

— Joel McHale (@joelmchale) August 11, 2014

Robin was really sweet to me and my sister every time we saw him. He was a genius and made me laugh a lot. So sad.

— Amy Schumer (@amyschumer) August 11, 2014

I’m merely the millionth voice chiming in on how sad and serious chemical dependency and depression are. RIP Robin Williams

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) August 11, 2014

Stunned at the news about Robin Williams. So sad when hopelessness overwhelms imagination.

— Brad Bird (@BradBirdA113) 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

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

pic.twitter.com/4Pyx4Kfuxe

— Sarah Michelle (@RealSMG) August 12, 2014

Goddamnit! Robin Williams. Sorry. #RIP

— marc maron (@marcmaron) August 12, 2014