Robin Williams’ son Zak has opened up about his father’s struggles towards the end of his life.
Robin Williams was close to “finding something” to help him in the weeks before his death.
The beloved Hollywood star tragically took his own life aged 63 in August 2014 and now his son Zak Williams, 43, have given some insight into his final months struggling with his mental health.
He told The Squeeze podcast: “The days, weeks, months prior to him dying by suicide, I was really feeling for him because he was having a frustrating time and was seeking support and was just trying to figure out what it was that would be most helpful to kind of help him experience some relief.
“That was hard for me because I don’t think he was far off from finding something that would have felt like it was more helpful for him.”
Zak admitted he “had hopes” the Mrs. Doubtfire actor was going to find “peace” towards the end.
He added: “The main thing for me is just I loved him so much and you know I couldn’t have told him enough.
“And for someone who was such a loving human being and just giving his heart to the world, I had hopes that he would have found some peace.
“For me there’s some unresolved considerations relating to that.”
Following Robin’s death, it was later found that he had Lewy body dementia, which is the second-most common type of the disease.
Zak has previously opened up about the way his father reacted to being misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s.
He told The Genius Life podcast in 2021: “What he was going through didn’t match one to one [with what] many Parkinson’s patients experience. So, I think that was hard for him.”
Last month, Zak and his siblings Zelda, 37, and Cody Williams, 34, revived Robin’s Instagram in a bid to battle “rampant AI abuse” of his likeness.
In their original joint statement on his account, they wrote: “As we recognize what would be our Dad’s 75th year, we’re grateful to see new generations discovering his work while longtime fans continue to celebrate the joy he brought into their lives.
“As technology evolves, we want this to be a safe, trusted place where the stories, photos, videos, and memories shared reflect his legacy with authenticity, warmth, and care.
“This is our way of sharing his unique talent and humor with the world, including the moments that made us and so many of you laugh, as we remember our Dad’s extraordinary life and work. He continues to inspire us and delight people all over the world.
Zak, Zelda, and Cody Williams (sic)”
Explaining the reason behind the move, Zelda subsequently wrote on her Instagram Story: “Believe me, I know it’s a little strange.
“Making that space into one where people can find authentic clips and photos of him is one of the best ways we’ve now found to fight back against rampant AI abuse of his voice and likeness on here.”
Zelda also acknowledged that seeing Williams’ account active again may be “triggering” for some fans.
Robin Williams was ‘close to finding something’ to help before his tragic death
