‘Love you forever’: Robin Williams’s children share tributes to late father on anniversary of his death

Beloved actor died by suicide seven years ago

The children of Robin Williams, Zak and Zelda, have honoured their father on the seventh anniversary of his death.

Williams, adored for his comedy and films from Mrs Doubtfire to Good Will Hunting, took his own life in 2014 at the age of 63 following a misdiagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

An autopsy subsequently revealed he had been unknowingly living with Lewy body dementia, a rare form of progressive dementia that affects thinking, reasoning and independent function.

Remembering his father, mental health advocate Zak tweeted on Wednesday (11 August): “Dad, seven years ago today you passed on. The joy and inspiration you brought to the world carries on in your legacy and in your family, friends, and fans you so loved.

“You lived to bring laughter and to help others. I will be celebrating your memory today. Love you forever.”

Actor Zelda marked the day by offering support to others grieving the loss of loved ones.

“Sending love out there today to all the folks navigating loss,” she wrote on Twitter. “New, old, the connective tissue of that deeply human pain can be hard to bear, but I find it easier sometimes knowing how many others have felt the same sting. We’re not alone.”

On the anniversary of the death yesterday, Williams’s fans shared their heartwarming memories of the star, including film workers who revealed their personal, off-camera moments with the comedian.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.