It has been a decade since the world lost one of its most beloved actors and comedians, Robin Williams.
This larger-than-life artist touched millions with his infectious smile and remarkable ability to make others laugh. His tragic passing left fans struggling to comprehend how someone so full of joy could leave in such a heartbreaking way.
However, the truth behind his death was more complex. An autopsy revealed that Williams had been suffering from Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), a neurological disorder where protein deposits, known as Lewy bodies, form in the brain’s nerve cells, affecting memory, thinking, and movement. This contradicted the previous diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, which doctors believed he had during his life.
As Williams’ health began to decline in his later years, the man known for memorizing countless lines flawlessly started experiencing memory lapses on set. These struggles led to immense frustration and anxiety. His son Zak shared with Max Lugavere on The Genius Life podcast, as reported by Fox News, that it was a period of “intense searching and frustration” for his father. “It’s just devastating,” Zak added.
Williams’ wife, Susan Schneider Williams, also shed light on his misdiagnosis, revealing that the actor’s condition was far worse than anyone had realized. She wrote in Neurology that the doctors who reviewed his records after his death described it as one of the most severe cases they had encountered, with a significant loss of dopamine neurons and widespread Lewy bodies throughout his brain.
Susan recalled how her husband’s health had been deteriorating, starting with seemingly minor issues like stomach cramps and heartburn, which later escalated to a tremor in his left hand. This was initially believed to be linked to a shoulder injury but was, in fact, a symptom of his undiagnosed LBD.
In the final days of his life, Williams’ condition worsened significantly, with reports describing his last moments as agonizing. Susan likened his experience to “living a nightmare.”
The loss deeply affected those close to him, including his friend Sir Billy Connolly. Connolly, who also suffers from Parkinson’s disease, reflected on Williams’ choice to end his life, saying, “You have to give a guy the position that he’s wise enough to make up his own mind.” When asked if he would have intervened, Connolly admitted, “I don’t think so.”
Connolly spoke about their close friendship, recalling how the two used to chat on the phone regularly. Just days before Williams’ passing, he invited Connolly to dinner. During that dinner, Williams repeatedly told Connolly, “I love you.” Connolly found it unusual, stating, “I thought, ‘how weird for him to say that, it’s not like his usual.’ He was dead on the weekend.”
Rest in peace, Robin Williams—you are missed more than words can express.