(CNN) --
Robin Williams -- who first made America laugh and eventually
touched "every element of the human spirit" in a remarkable range
of performances -- died at his Northern California home Monday, law
enforcement officials said.
Williams apparently took his own life, law enforcement
officials said. He was 63.
"He has been battling severe depression of late," his
media representative Mara Buxbaum told CNN. "This is a tragic and
sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they
grieve during this very difficult time."
Coroner investigators suspect "the death to be a suicide
due to asphyxia," according to a statement from the Marin County,
California, Sheriff's Office.
Williams married graphic designer Susan Schneider in Napa
Valley, California, ceremony in October 2011. Schneider sent a
written statement to CNN through the representative.
"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."
Word of Williams' death stunned
the entertainment community and beyond Monday.
President Barack Obama's statement sent from the White
House summed it up:
"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
marginalized on our own streets."
Comedian Steve Martin tweeted, "I could not be more
stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting
partner, genuine soul."
Former CNN host Larry King said he would remember Williams
as "a genuine caring guy. Not just a funny man, but a
guy who cared about people."
Marin County deputies responded to an emergency call from
Williams' home in unincorporated Tiburon, California, at 11:55
a.m., reporting "a male adult had been located unconscious and not
breathing," the release from the sheriff said.
Williams was pronounced dead at 12:02 p.m., it said.
Williams was last seen alive at his home, where he lives
with his wife, at about 10 p.m. Sunday, the sheriff's statement
said.
"An investigation into the cause, manner and circumstances
of the death is currently underway by the Investigations and
Coroner Divisions of the Sheriff's Office," the sheriff's statement
said.
"Coroner Division suspects the death to be a suicide due
to asphyxia, but a comprehensive investigation must be completed
before a final determination is made."
An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, the sheriff said.
Williams made at least two trips to rehab for drug
treatment, including a visit this summer, and heunderwent
heart surgery in 2009.
Williams, born in Chicago on July 21, 1951, studied
theater at Juilliard School before taking his stand up act to
nightclubs. He was cast as Mork, an alien visitor to Earth, for a
1974 episode of television's "Happy Days."
"Happy Days" star Henry Winkler said it was "unimaginable
that this is the reality today, that this incredible human being,
incredible, delicate, funny, dramatic human being is gone."
Winkler said he "realized I was in the presence of
greatness" at Williams' first rehearsal as Mork.
"I just realized my only job is to keep a straight face,"
said Winkler, who played "The Fonz." "And it was impossible.
Because no matter what you said to him, no matter what line you
gave to him, he took it in, processed it, and then it flew out of
his mouth, never the same way twice. And it was incredibly funny
every time."
The role led to the spin-off
show "Mork & Mindy," which showcased Williams' usual
comic improvisation talents.
He proved his dramatic acting skills in "Good Will
Hunting," a 1997 film that earned him a best supporting actor
Oscar.
His memorable movies over the past three decades includes
"Good Morning, Vietnam," "Dead Poets Society," "Mrs. Doubtfire" and
"The Birdcage." The list is much longer.
Williams credited the influence of Jonathan Winters' comic
irreverence and quirky characters as a great influence on his
comedy. The connection between the two was completed when Winters
was cast as Williams' son on "Mork & Mindy."
When Winters died in 2013, Williams said he was "my idol,
then he was my mentor and amazing friend." He tweeted that Winters
was his "Comedy Buddha."
"Mork & Mindy" co-star Pam Dawber simply said "I am
completely and totally devastated. What more can be said?"
WIlliams and Dawber reunited on TV earlier this year
on an
episode of the CBS comedy "The Crazy Ones."
Williams' fans can look forward to four more movie
appearances coming to theaters, including another installment in
the "Night at the Museum" franchise.
The film, set for a December release, has Williams
reprising the Teddy Roosevelt role he delivered in the first two
comedies.
