Robin Williams' widow, Susan Schneider, just revealed that the beloved late actor was in the early stages of Parkinson's disease.
"Robin's sobriety was intact," says Schneider, adding that "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."
The 63-year-old actor was found dead in his California home Monday after committing suicide. Parkinson's Disease, which affects nearly one million people in the U.S., is a chronic and progressive movement disorder with symptoms that worsen over time.
Read Schneider's full statement below (via The Wrap):
“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.”
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation notes that the cause of the disease "is unknown, and although there is presently no cure, there are treatment options such as medication and surgery to manage its symptoms."
Actor Michael J. Fox has publicly battled Parkinson's disease since being diagnosed in 1992.
Williams won an Oscar in 1998 for his role in "Good Will Hunting" and was known for his comedies like "Mrs. Doubtfire" as well as dramas such as "The Dead Poet's Society."
He rose to fame on ABC's "Mork and Mindy" in the 1970s and most recently appeared on the ill-fated CBS sitcom, "The Crazy Ones."
SEE ALSO: Michael J. Fox 'Stunned' By Robin Williams' Parkinson's Diagnosis
MORE: Robin Williams' Ex-Wife And 3 Children Release Heartbreaking Statements
AND: Ben Affleck And Matt Damon 'Owe Everything' To 'Good Will Hunting' Co-Star Robin Williams
