Sarah Michelle Gellar says her acting break was sparked by Robin Williams’ death

Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar discussed her reasons behind taking a break from the film industry following Robin Williams' shock death in August 2014

Sarah Michelle Gellar says her acting break was sparked by Robin Williams' death

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Sarah Michelle Gellar revealed her acting break was sparked by the death of Hollywood icon Robin Williams.

The Good Will Hunting star died by suicide on August 11, 2014, shocking the entire world.

Sarah, who starred in The Crazy Ones with Robin between 2013 and 2014, took a break from the acting world when her friend passed away. It was one of Robin's final roles before his death.

"I’ve been working my entire life. When I had kids — and it was right after Robin passed away — there was just so much going on in my life and I just said, ‘I need to take a break,'" she told People.

"I need to be here for these early formative years of my kids’ life," she continued. "I needed that break to be the parent that I wanted to be."

Sarah took a break from acting after Robin's death

Now that her children are older, the star decided to return to acting as she started missing it.

Her latest roles are in the upcoming Clerks III movie as well as the new series Wolf Pack, where she stars as arson investigator Kristin Ramsey.

Meanwhile, in July 2021, on what would have been Robin's 70th birthday, his son Zak revealed his dad's "frustration" after he was misdiagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

After his death, it was found that Robin had been suffering from Lewy body dementia – the second most common type of progressive dementia.

Zak told The Genius Life : "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.

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"There was a focus issue that frustrated him, there were issues associated with how he felt and also from a neurological perspective he didn't feel great. He was very uncomfortable."

Robin left behind three children, including Zachary – from his marriage with Valerie Velardi – and Zelda and Cody – from his marriage to Marsha Garces.

Earlier this month, on Robin's eighth death anniversary, Zak paid tribute to his father.

"Dad, on the eighth anniversary of your passing, I'm remembering how incredibly kind and joyful you were," he tweeted.

"I deeply miss you you wonderful, hairy man and will be celebrating your life today. Love you so so much!"

*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch

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