Robin Williams’ tragic passing left fans around the world heartbroken. One of his closest celebrity friends recently shared the deeply emotional final words the beloved movie star spoke, offering a glimpse into his final moments.
Robin Williams was an actor who demonstrated his prowess in dramatic roles, earning Academy Award nominations for Best Actor for his performances in “Good Morning, Vietnam” (1987) and “The Fisher King” (1991). He ultimately won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his memorable role in “Good Will Hunting” (1997).
Robin Williams on the set of “Good Will Hunting,” 1997 | Source: Getty Images
Despite his successful acting career, he battled personal issues such as alcohol addiction. In 2014, Williams spent several weeks at the Hazelden facility in Minnesota, engaging in a program to strengthen his commitment to sobriety.
His stay was pre-emptive and not as a result of a relapse. The star’s representative explained, “After working back-to-back projects, Robin is simply taking the opportunity to fine-tune and focus on his continued commitment, of which he remains extremely proud.”
An undated image of Robin Williams on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” | Source: Getty Images
In an August 2014 interview, Williams opened up about his struggle with alcohol abuse. Speaking with Diane Sawyer, the comedian reflected on his relapse after 20 years of sobriety, explaining that it happened gradually.
He shared, “It’s the same voice thought that … you’re standing at a precipice and you look down, there’s a voice and it’s a little quiet voice that goes, ‘Jump.'” He added that the same voice tempted him with the thought of having one extra drink but acknowledged that for someone like him, that was impossible.
Robin Williams appears during Google co-founder Larry Page’s keynote address on January 6, 2006, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Williams had battled alcoholism and cocaine abuse in the early 1980s but quit after the overdose death of his friend, John Belushi, in 1982. The veteran star was sober for two decades. He explained that his relapse wasn’t caused by any particular event. “It’s [addiction] — not caused by anything, it’s just there,” he noted.
Williams, who starred alongside Sally Field in “Mrs. Doubtfire,” described addiction as something that lies in wait, ready to resurface when a person feels they are fine. He explained that everything would seem okay for one moment, but suddenly it would not be.
Robin Williams attends the Opening Night For “Spamalot” at The Wynn on March 31, 2007, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
Tragically, Williams passed away on August 11, 2014, at 63, in what appeared to be a suicide at his home. Marin County Police in California reported that he was pronounced dead shortly after responding to an emergency call around noon.
The Hollywood star’ publicist revealed that he had been “battling severe depression” leading up to his death. However, his widowed wife, Susan Schneider, later disclosed more information regarding his demise.
Susan Schneider and Robin Williams arrive at the premiere of “World’s Greatest Dad,” 2009 | Source: Getty Images
Schneider discovered a disease that had deeply affected their lives, though she had never heard of it before — Lewy body dementia (LBD). An autopsy in October 2014 revealed that the actor had been suffering from this condition.
“A few months before he passed, he was given a Parkinson’s diagnosis. But that was just the tip of the iceberg,” Schneider shared.
Susan Schneider and Robin Williams at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards on March 7, 2010, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Williams had been misdiagnosed in May 2014 after struggling with significant changes in memory, movement, personality, reasoning, sleep, and mood. Despite undergoing numerous tests, the actual cause remained hidden.
Schneider described the discovery of LBD as uncovering the source of his suffering, saying, “None of the doctors knew that there was this ghost disease underlying all of this. When that was revealed, that was like essentially finding out the name of my husband’s killer.”
Susan Schneider and Robin Williams attend the 2010 Creative Arts Emmy Awards on August 21, 2010, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
It has been a decade since Williams died, and his friend, Sir Billy Connolly, has since spoken out about their friendship. In an interview, the actor shared that he knew Williams very well.
(L-R) Robin Williams, Dudley Moore, and Billy Connolly photographed outside Langan’s restaurant on January 1, 1985, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
The pair first met in the ’70s backstage on a talk show in Canada. They kept in touch over the years, and Williams even visited Connolly for the holidays at his home in Scotland.
Connolly later discovered that Williams had Parkinson’s disease as well, just like him. When asked how it affected his daily life during an October 2021 interview, the Scottish native shared, “There’s good days and bad days, and the good days outnumber the bad days. So, I’ve got nothing to complain about.”
Asked what he would have done had he known that Williams planned on taking his own life, the star said he wouldn’t have changed anything. “You have to give a guy the position that he’s wise enough to make up his own mind,” he said. Asked if he wouldn’t have tried to save his life, Connolly admitted, “I don’t think so.”
Robin Williams and Billy Connolly at the Lonach Highland Games on August 28, 2000, in Strathdon near Balmoral in Scotland. | Source: Getty Images
In a September 2014 interview, the comedian divulged what type of person Williams was, saying, “He was not always depressed. He was a complicated man, but a beautiful person. He was a joy.”
In an interview, the TV presenter shared that he and Williams frequently discussed their experiences with Parkinson’s, often exchanging insights over the phone.
Billy Connolly during the New York City Tartan Day Parades on April 6, 2019, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Both were facing an early onset of the disease, and Connolly likened the feeling to having a constant threat looming nearby. He also expressed that they regularly reminded each other of their deep friendship, saying they had told one another that they loved each other many times.
Robin Williams and Billy Connolly at the Lonach Highland Games on August 28, 2000, in Strathdon near Balmoral in Scotland. | Source: Getty Images
Connolly shared that Williams called him during the week of his death, inviting him to dinner, where the movie star made a heartfelt statement. In the BBC program “In My Own Words,” Connolly reflected on their friendship, calling it a “lovely thing” and noting that Williams helped him feel less “alone” in the comedy world.
Recalling their final dinner, Connolly said, “He phoned me and said, ‘Let’s have dinner,’ and during the dinner, he said, ‘I love you.’ I said thanks very much. He said, ‘Do you believe me?’ I said ‘Of course I do.’ He said, ‘Believe me, I love you.’ I said, ‘That’s great.'”
Billy Connolly pictured at a soccer game on May 13, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on the unusual nature of the conversation, Connolly noted, “I thought ‘how weird, how weird for him to say that, it’s not like his usual.’ He was dead on the weekend.”
He believes this was Williams’ way of saying goodbye, adding, “It was a sad day in my life because I saw his whole career and it was stunning. He was like a rocket-ship, just took off. He was the best ever.”
Social media users reacted to Williams’ last words as one person expressed, “So sad.” Someone else assumed, “Robin Williams wasn’t understood and wasn’t listened to. Anyone who needs to talk should have an ear.” While another wrote, “It is very difficult to read, heartbreaking.”
Robin Williams’ life and career touched countless people, and his final moments with close friends revealed the depth of his emotional struggles. His legacy as a brilliant comedian and compassionate individual continues to inspire and resonate with fans worldwide.
