Entertainment
Robin Williams Lived A Life Of Success Through Setbacks
Oscar-winning actor and funnyman Robin Williams was found dead on Monday at the age of 63 after an apparent suicide, according to police reports. Throughout his iconic life, the comedian brought joy to audiences in everything from children's classics — Jumanji, Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Flubber — to award-winning films like Dead Poets Society and Good Will Hunting.
Through the laughter, though, Williams was very open about his struggles with alcoholism. Of course, this hardly stopped him from becoming one of the most beloved and cherished actors in Hollywood. Here's a look back at what Williams battled during his nearly 40-year plus career.
He suffered from cocaine and alcohol addiction
In the early 1980s, Williams had problems with cocaine and alcohol use, but was able to reportedly quit “cold turkey” after the death of his close friend, John Belushi.
20 years later, he relapsed
In 2006, the actor checked himself into rehab for alcohol addiction after being sober for 20 years. “It’s [addiction] – not caused by anything, it’s just there,” Williams said in an interview with ABC News. “It waits. It lays in wait for the time when you think, ‘It’s fine now, I’m OK.’ Then, the next thing you know, it’s not OK.”
He underwent heart surgery in 2009
In an interview with People, Williams talked about how surgery changed his life. “You literally are opened up, and you really do appreciate the simplest things like breath, and friends,” he said. “I’ve been calling up all of my friends and saying, ‘Thanks for being there.’”
He went through two divorces
Williams married his third wife Susan Schneider in 2011 and reportedly said, “Third time, this is the charm. That’s it — no more.”
He battled severe depression
According to William’s media representation, as of late, the actor had been suffering from severe depression.
But he'll always be remembered for his gift of laughter
Despite his setbacks and hardships, Williams will always be kindly remembered for his ability to put a smile on anyone’s face.
