E! News is revisiting the life and legacy of Robin Williams, whose career and personal struggles continue to draw attention years after his death. The piece notes that while Williams is remembered as one of comedy’s greats, there remains a gap between the public myth and the man himself.
Williams died by suicide on Aug. 11, 2014, at age 63. According to the article, it was not publicly reported for more than a year that he had been suffering from Lewy body dementia, a Parkinson’s-like disease that affects movement and mental function. He had first been misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s months before his death.
His wife at the time, Susan Schneider, later said in an interview with People that depression was only one of many symptoms and not the main cause of his death. She described Lewy body dementia as especially difficult to identify because its symptoms can appear in many different ways.
The article also reflects on Williams’ career, which included major hits such as Dead Poets Society, Good Morning, Vietnam, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Birdcage, Aladdin and Good Will Hunting. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Good Will Hunting and remained a popular presence through stand-up, television appearances and live performances.
Williams is survived by his wife Susan Schneider and his three children, Zachary Pym, Zelda Rae and Cody Alan. The article says later projects and tributes, including documentaries and a Netflix special, helped reintroduce his work to new audiences after his death.
