The Death Of Robin Williams: The Rise To Success

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When Robin Williams graduated from high school, he was voted “Least Likely To Succeed”(_____). If his classmates were asked to vote again today, the results would not be the same. Having a net worth of about 50 million dollars at the time of his death(____), Robin Williams was known around the world for his acting, comedy, and voice impressions. He was also globally known for his death on August 11, 2013. For someone who was always happy, one wouldn 't think he would struggle with depression and addiction, but he did, and it ultimately played a role in his death. To fully understand the difficulties William experienced, we must first know more about him and his rise to success. Robin Williams was born in Chicago on July 21, 1951 (bio). After …show more content…

While filming Mork & Mindy, he became addicted to drugs and alcohol. He struggled to conquer these addictions for many years. He divorced his first wife in 1988 after many affairs and married Marsha Garces, his first son’s nanny. Through the years, Williams continued to star in dozens of popular movies and won several more awards. In 2008 he fabricated his own stand- up comedy tour called Weapons of Self Destruction. The same year, he and his second wife called quits to their marriage after too many differences. In March the following year, Robin underwent heart surgery and was unable to continue his touring. Williams had three children from these two marriages and later married Susan, his third wife in October of 2011. On August 11, 2013, Robin Williams was found dead inside his home in Marin, County, California (-daily main source-). He was 63 years old at the time. “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” (bio). After investigation, the death was ruled as a suicide, and further inspection found: “The inside of Mr. Williams’ left wrist had several acute superficial transverse cuts. A pocket knife with a closed blade was located in close proximity to Mr. Williams 's” (police …show more content…

There were many symptoms of depression that looking back, people could point out in Robin Williams. After becoming a drug and alcohol addict early in his career, he worked to become clean. He was drug and alcohol free for 20 years, but relapsed while filming a movie in Alaska. It only took a week of drinking before he knew he was in trouble (guardian source). When asked why he started drinking again, he said it was because he was afraid and lonely, he thought drinking might help ease that. “Nearly half the time, people with depression also have symptoms of another disorder, such as anxiety or substance abuse” (NIOMH). It was in 2006 that Williams publically entered rehab (NBC news). The year 2009 brought on heart surgery, replacing two valves and regulating his heartbeat. As stated by the Cleveland Clinic, heart surgery can leave a person more susceptible to depression, especially those experiencing higher stress levels or difficult life transitions (NBC). Robin fits this criteria to a “T”. After two divorces, money issues, and on top of that his television show, The Crazy Ones was cancelled after only one season (bio). “Friends say the news was a serious emotional blow to Williams, who had spoken of finding himself increasingly prone to bouts of depression ever since undergoing open-heart surgery in 2009” (LA times). Recovery from

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