Robin Williams dies: Celebrities pay tribute to ‘great artist’
By Sam Rigby
President Barack Obama has led the tributes to actor Robin Williams, who passed away on Monday (August 11).
The much-loved actor was found dead at his home in Tiburon, California, and is believed to have committed suicide after “battling severe depression” recently – read more here.
Williams’s co-stars and friends have paid tribute to him on Twitter, while other celebrities have also offered condolences.
Read Obama’s statement, followed by more tributes, below.
“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 – 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 – 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.”
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
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
Very sad, very upset, very glad I did not have to hear about this though Twitter. Probably going to be taking some time off it for a while.
— Mara Wilson (@MaraWritesStuff) August 11, 2014
Genie, you’re free. pic.twitter.com/WjA9QuuldD
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 12, 2014
Robin Williams made the world laugh & think. I will remember & honor that. A great man, artist and friend. I will miss him beyond measure.
— Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) August 12, 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
— Sarah Michelle (@RealSMG) August 12, 2014
I am stunned and just reeling from the news of Robin Williams’ death. He brought so much joy and heart to millions… Just, wow.
— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) August 12, 2014
The entire Osbourne Family is grieving the loss of a kind, funny, generous and talented man, Robin Williams.
— Sharon Osbourne (@MrsSOsbourne) August 11, 2014
Devastating news about @robinwilliams — knew him a little and liked him a whole lot more. A brain wired like no other and so so kind.
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) August 12, 2014