Robin Williams Had Recently Visited Hazelden
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Movie fans across the country are mourning the death of actor Robin Williams.
The legendary comedian and actor was found dead Monday in an apparent suicide. Williams' death comes less than two months after he posed for a picture with an employee at a Dairy Queen in Lindstrom, Minn.
Williams was in Minnesota at the time, according to his publicist, for rehab at the Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center in Lindstrom at the time to focus on his sobriety. Williams had planned the visit as a respite to recharge after more than 18 straight months of work.
Williams had been open about the challenges of maintaining sobriety. He sought treatment in 2006 when he relapsed and returned to drinking after 20 years.
On Tuesday, U.S. Senator and former comedian Al Franken released this statement:
"Robin, more than anyone I know, would have seen the tragic irony in this devastating day. That a man who made so many laugh, who made so many happy, who touched so many, who gave himself to others all through his life both publicly and privately, would succumb to a disease that left him feeling so alone, is just too sad to bear. Franni's and my thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Williams' extensive film resume was highlighted by "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Good Morning, Vietnam," "Dead Poets Society," "Good Will Hunting," "Patch Adams," and "The Birdcage." He won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in "Good Will Hunting" and was nominated for Best Actor in "Dead Poets Society" and "Good Morning, Vietnam." He also won five Golden Globe Awards and one Primetime Emmy.
Williams was 63 years old.
