Tributes have been flooding in for US actor Robin Williams, who was found dead at his home near San Francisco on Monday in an apparent suicide. The 63-year-old Oscar-winning star was known for his rapid-fire improvisational comedy and roles in films such as Mrs Doubtfire, Good Will Hunting, and Dead Poets Society.
Film director Steven Spielberg described him as 'a lightning storm of comic genius', while US President Barack Obama said Williams 'made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most.' Actor Kevin Spacey tweeted: 'Robin Williams made the world laugh & think. I will remember & honour that.'
Fellow comedians and actors expressed shock and grief. Billy Connolly called Williams 'both my friend and my hero', and Danny DeVito said: 'All I can think about is what a joy he was to be with. I'm devastated.' The Mrs Doubtfire director Chris Columbus hailed him as 'one of the few people who deserved the title of genius'.
Terry Gilliam, who directed Williams in The Fisher King, reflected on the actor's struggles: 'When the Gods gift you with the kind of talent Robin had, there's a price to pay... It comes from deep problems inside.' Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel urged those feeling sad to 'tell someone'.
Williams's co-stars also paid tribute. Pam Dawber, who played opposite him in Mork and Mindy, said she was 'completely and totally devastated'. John Travolta remembered him as 'the sweetest, brightest, more considerate person', while Hugh Jackman called him a 'true gentleman, acting great, comedic legend, genius'.
The outpouring of grief underscores the profound impact Williams had on audiences and colleagues alike. As producer Judd Apatow noted: 'Isn't it mind-blowing how many times and ways Robin Williams touched your life with his work? For so long. What a gift he gave.'
