Robin Williams’ daughter Zelda says she feels like a ‘roadside memorial’ on anniversary of father’s death: ‘It’s simply too much’

Beloved actor and comedian died by suicide four years ago

Robin Williams’ daughter Zelda had spoken out about how difficult she finds the anniversary of her father’s death.

The beloved actor and comedian died by suicide aged 63 on 11 August 2014. He had been suffering from depression and Lewy Body Dementia.

In a candid post on Twitter, Williams’ daughter – who is also an actor – said she would be taking the day off social media as she finds the flood of online tributes every year hard to cope with.

“Tomorrow is dad’s death anniversary,” the 31-year-old wrote. “As always, I will not be here.”

She said she struggles to be the person who is “expected to graciously accept the world’s need to share their memories of him”, adding: “While I am constantly touched by all of your boundless continued love for him, some days it can feel a bit like being seen as a roadside memorial – a place, not a person, where people drive past and leave their sentiments to then go about their days comforted their love for him was witnessed.”

She continued: “But sometimes, that leaves me emotionally buried under a pile of other’s memories instead of my own. After all, even roses by the truckload still weigh a ton.”

She added that on 11 August every year, the emotional weight is “simply too much” to bare.

Zelda then posted a series of resources available for those seeking help with suicide prevention and mental health.

Zelda is the daughter of Williams and his second wife, Marsha Graces, with whom he also had a son, Cody, 28. He also fathered another son, Zachary, 38, with his first wife Valerie Velardi.

Williams starred in classic films such as Mrs Doubtfire, Good Morning Vietnam and Disney’s Aladdin. He won an Oscar for his supporting role as a psychologist in Good Will Hunting.

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.