Robin Williams’ daughter takes break from social media on anniversary of his death
Zelda Williams said she wanted to focus on her own memories of her late father rather than have them buried by others
Video Loading
Click to play
Tap to play
The video will start in 8Cancel
Robin Williams’ daughter has announced she’s taking a break from social media on the anniversary of her father’s death as she struggles to cope with the outpouring of grief from strangers.
It was six years ago today that Robin was found dead at his home after taking his own life at the age of 63.
Ahead of the anniversary, his actor daughter Zelda Williams informed her Instagram followers that she would not be around to read any condolence messages that she would inevitably receive as she found it too upsetting.
“It’s hard for me on regular, good days to remain the person expected to graciously accept the world’s need to share their memories of him and express their condolences for his loss,” shared Zelda, 31.
“Some days it can feel a bit like being seen as a roadside memorial — a place, not a person — where people drive past and leave their sentiments to then go about their days comforted their love for him was witnessed.
“Sometimes, that leaves me emotionally buried under a pile of other’s (sic) memories instead of my own,” she continued. “After all, even roses weigh a ton when they’re left by the truckload.”
Zara then finished her post with a suicide prevention and substance abuse support phone numbers for countries all over the world to help anyone struggling.
“Whoever out there needs to hear it, please use this as your signpost in the desert,” she wrote. “Reach out. Seek help. Keep fighting.”
Robin’s family were left heartbroken, along with his legions of fans around the world, when it was revealed he had taken his own life in 2014.
His widow Susan Schneider Williams said he struggled to cope with being diagnosed with neurodegenerative disorder Lewy Body Dementia.
Susan, who married the actor in 2011, described the illness as a ‘terrorist inside my husband’s brain.’
She also claimed that her actor husband had an ‘increase in paranoia’ and depression in the months leading to his death.
Next month a new documentary will be released that charts the last days of Robin before he tragically took his own life.
A trailer for Robin’s Wish shows those closest to him speaking about the unusual behavior he exhibited leading up to his death and discussing the disorder.
His wife Susan as well as friends and colleagues, including David E Kelley – who created Williams’ last ever TV show, The Crazy Ones, speak on the programme
Robin’s Wish airs on demand and digital on 1 September.
MirrorCeleb