Advertisement

Robin Williams' devastating final days revealed

Robin Williams will forever be remembered for his insanely brilliant talent, incredible humour and joyful exterior, however his final days told a different story.

Before the actor took his own life in 2014, the 63-year-old battled some severe demons that would ultimately end his life.

Robin Williams battled many demons at the end of his life and in the new biography Robin reveals his dark final days. Source: Getty
Robin Williams battled many demons at the end of his life and in the new biography Robin reveals his dark final days. Source: Getty

In an interview with New York Post, Robin’s makeup artist Cheri Minns, recalled some very dark times.

“He was sobbing in my arms at the end of every day. It was horrible. Horrible,” she said. “I said to his people, ‘I’m a makeup artist. I don’t have the capacity to deal with what’s happening to him.’ ”

“He just cried and said, ‘I can’t, Cheri. I don’t know how anymore. I don’t know how to be funny.’ ”

Robin starred in many films including Jumanji with Kirsten Dunst. Source: Getty
Robin starred in many films including Jumanji with Kirsten Dunst. Source: Getty

The man who brought us the Genie from Alladin, Allan in Jumanji, Adrian from Good Morning, Vietnam and of course, Mrs Doubtfire, was suffering without even realising from pernicious neurodegenerative disease.

A new biography, which is out this month, called Robin (written by Dave Itzkoff) reveals new insights into Robin’s life.

Robin felt he couldn’t continue on anymore and would sob in his makeup artist’s arms. Source: Getty
Robin felt he couldn’t continue on anymore and would sob in his makeup artist’s arms. Source: Getty

Before his diagnosis, Robin complained of indigestion, insomnia, loss of his sense of smell and had trouble urinating.

His wife Susan describes the symptoms in the book.

It was like playing whack-a-mole. Which symptom is it this month? I thought, is my husband a hypochondriac? We’re chasing it and there’s no answers, and by now we’d tried everything.”

Robin suffered from Lewy body dementia and pernicious neurodegenerative disease which robbed him of his speech, movement and comedic tones. Source: Getty
Robin suffered from Lewy body dementia and pernicious neurodegenerative disease which robbed him of his speech, movement and comedic tones. Source: Getty

In 2014, Robin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was assured by doctors that he would have “10 good years”, however, there was no light for the actor.

The actor was beginning to have trouble with visual and spatial abilities, judging distance and depth and was constantly confused.

Robin was beginning to have trouble with visual and spatial abilities, judging distance and depth and was constantly confused. Source: Getty
Robin was beginning to have trouble with visual and spatial abilities, judging distance and depth and was constantly confused. Source: Getty

According to Susan, on his final night, Robin seemed calm before going to sleep in his own room.

They said good night, as they always did, and she thought he seemed to be doing better, however, this was not the case.

Robin and his wife Susan Schneider told each other good night every single night. Source: Getty
Robin and his wife Susan Schneider told each other good night every single night. Source: Getty

By 11am the next morning, Robin still hadn’t left his room. His 20-year-old assistant became concerned a picked the lock with a paper clip.

When she opened the door she found a horrific scene – Robin had hanged himself with his belt.

Robin lost his battle in 2014 by suicide. Source: Getty
Robin lost his battle in 2014 by suicide. Source: Getty

The autopsy revealed that he also had diffuse Lewy body dementia and although he didn’t leave a suicide note, the results spoke for themselves.

The world mourned the loss of Robin Williams – the actor and comedian who reached and entertained almost three generations.

Robin will be released on 15 May 2018.

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline 13 11 14, Mensline 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

Got a story tip? Send it to tips@yahoo7.com.au

Want more celebrity, entertainment and lifestyle news? Follow Be on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram.