Robin Williams dead at 63

Actor Robin Williams has died at the age of 63.

The Oscar-winning Good Will Hunting star's body was discovered on Monday morning (11Aug14) at his home in Tiburon, California.

An investigation into the cause, manner, and circumstances of the death is currently underway. A forensic examination is currently scheduled for Tuesday (12Aug14).

Williams was last seen alive at his home on Sunday evening (10Aug14).

Initial reports suggest the local coroner suspects the death was "a suicide due to asphyxia."

Williams' publicist Mara Buxbaum has confirmed the sad news, telling The Hollywood Reporter, "Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time."

And his wife, Susan Schneider, adds, "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. 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."

Williams will reprise his role as Theodore Roosevelt in the third Night at the Museum film, and movie bosses at the studio behind the film have issued a statement which reads: "There really are no words to describe the loss of Robin Williams. He was immensely talented, a cherished member of our community, and part of the Fox family. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans. He will be deeply missed."

Earlier this summer (Jun14), Williams, who spent years dealing with drug and alcohol issues, checked in to the Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center in Minnesota to focus on maintaining his sobriety.

The news came after he wrapped filming on upcoming holiday movie Merry Friggin' Christmas with Joel McHale, who paid tribute to his co-star upon hearing of his latest rehab stint, telling the New York Daily News, "He is such an open soul and one of the most sensitive and great guys, and I would kill for the man... He wore his struggles and sobriety and was very up front and candid about what he has gone through."

Born in Chicago, Illinois in July, 1951, Robin McLaurin Williams became a stand-up comedian upon leaving Juilliard School, where he studied theater. He enjoyed success on the small screen when his character of alien Mork on Happy Days landed his his own sitcom, Mork & Mindy, in 1978. The hit show ran for four years.

He scored his first major movie role in 1980's Popeye and followed that up with the acclaimed The World According to Garp in 1982.

Williams' hit movies also include Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, Awakenings, Happy Feet, Hook, The Birdcage, The Fisher King, Insomnia, Jumanji and Robots. His death brings to a close talk of a Mrs. Doubtfire sequel, which Williams had recently signed up for.

As well as his Oscar for Good Will Hunting, he also won a Grammy Award in 2003 for Best Spoken Comedy Album (Robin Williams - Live 2002), and received the Golden Globes Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2004.

He was married three times and fathered three children.

Flowers will be placed on his Hollywood Walk of Fame star, located at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard, on Tuesday morning (12Aug14).