“羅賓·威廉姆斯是一位飛行員,一位博士,一位精靈,一位保姆,一位總統(tǒng),一位專家,一位擁有奇幻魔力的彼得·潘。”在這份悼念聲明中,美國總統(tǒng)奧巴馬對威廉姆斯極盡贊美之詞:“他就是一切,不過他首先是一位仁者。他就像一個外星人一樣進入了我們的生活,而當離去的時候,他已經觸摸到了人類精神的每一個元素。”
奧巴馬在這份聲明中繼續(xù)寫道:“他讓我們開懷大笑,他讓我們嚎啕大哭,他將自己無可限量的天賦,慷慨的給予那些最需要的人——從我們駐扎在國外的部隊,到走在街道上的每一個普通人。奧巴馬和家人向羅賓的家人和朋友們致以最深切的哀悼,每個人都會以自己的方式來感謝羅賓·威廉姆斯。”
President Barack Obama has led tributes to US actor and comedian Robin Williams, who has been found dead, aged 63, in an apparent suicide.
Marin County Police in California said Williams was pronounced dead at his home after officials responded to an emergency call around noon local time.
Williams was famous for films such as Good Morning Vietnam and won an Oscar for his role in Good Will Hunting.
His publicist said he had been "battling severe depression".
President Obama was one of many offering condolences to the actor's family saying: "Williams arrived in our lives as an alien - but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit.
"He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most - from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalised on our own streets."
In the past Williams had talked, and even joked, about his struggles with alcohol and drugs.
He had recently returned to a rehabilitation centre to "fine-tune" his sobriety, the Los Angeles Times reported in July.
The local Sheriff's office said Williams was found unconscious and not breathing at his home near Tiburon, north of San Francisco.
"At this time, the Sheriff's Office Coroner Division suspects the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia, but a comprehensive investigation must be completed before a final determination is made," police said in a statement.
In a statement, Williams' wife, Susan Schneider, said she was "utterly heartbroken".
"This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken," she said.
"On behalf of Robin's family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions."