The actor's publicist has indicated that the celebrated performer had been suffering from severe depression.
Williams had been one of Hollywood's most charismatic actors over the last 4 decades, having come to the forefront of popular culture as the 'alien' in the hit TV show Mork and Mindy, where the phrase "Nanu Nanu" (now known in Ireland as the moniker for Laura Sheeran's & Marc Abule's electronica musical outfit) was coined.
Williams' career continued with several seminal performances, stretching from the brilliant role as the tragic hero TS Garp in the movie of John Irving's book, on to his appearance as the DJ Adrian Cronauer in the rock 'n' roll infused Vietnam protest movie 'Good Morning Vietnam' and perhaps most famously his Oscar winning work in Good Will Hunting.
Williams' never hid his troubles, his demons or his emotions and the world is a poorer place with his passing.