Oscar-Winning Actor Robin Williams Dead At 63

Robin Williams, the manic comic genius who morphed from TV's Mork from Ork to Oscar-winning glory, is dead of an apparent suicide. He was 63. Emergency personnel were called to Williams's home in Tiburon, California, at 11:55 a.m. local time, per the Marin County Sheriff's Office. Williams was found unconscious and pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are investigating the death, and an autopsy is forthcoming, but initial evidence points to "a suicide due to asphyxia," according to Marin Sheriff's Lt. Keith Boyle. Williams was best known for his starring roles in classic comedies like "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Good Morning, Vietnam" and "Jumanji," but also in acclaimed dramas such as "Dead Poets Society." He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Dr. Sean Maguire in "Good Will Hunting." He rose to fame while playing Mork the alien in the TV show "Mork & Mindy," a "Happy Days" spinoff. The actor spent time on a Hazelden campus in Oregon in 2006. He later explained that drinking had gradually become a problem again after 20 years of sobriety. "You're standing at a precipice and you look down, there's a voice and it's a little quiet voice that goes, 'Jump,'" the "Mrs. Doubtfire" star told ABC News in October of that year. "The same voice that goes, 'Just one.' … And the idea of just one for someone who has no tolerance for it, that's not the possibility."Born in Chicago in 1951, Williams was accepted into John Houseman’s prestigious acting program at Juilliard along with Christopher Reeve, who became a lifelong friend."After working back-to-back projects, Robin is simply taking the opportunity to fine-tune and focus on his continued commitment, of which he remains extremely proud," the actor's publicist said at the time. Williams reportedly spent a few weeks at Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center in Minnesota.Actor Steve Martin said on Twitter: "I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul." Actor John Cryer said on Twitter: "We will try to carry on, but it won't be any fun without you." Musician John Mayer said on Twitter: "The first thing I ever wanted to be when I grew up was Robin Williams' inhabiting of Popeye." Actor Neil Patrick Harris said on Twitter: "I am stunned and just reeling from the news of Robin Williams' death. He brought so much joy and heart to millions ... Just, wow."Comedian Jimmy Kimmel said on Twitter: "Robin was as sweet a man as he was funny. If you're sad, please tell someone."