The news of actor Robin Williams’ death has stunned the world. Coroners believe that he committed suicide by asphyxia, however the reason for his death is still being investigated and has yet to be confirmed.

Marin County deputies had responded to an emergency call from Williams’ home at 11.55 a.m. on Monday reporting “a male adult had been located unconscious and not breathing”. He was pronounced death at 12.02 p.m. He was last seen alive at his home at 10 p.m. that evening.

In July, TMZ reported that Williams had spent several weeks at Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center in Minnesota to “fine-tune and focus on his continued commitment” to sobriety. His publicist said that he had been “battling severe depression”. Williams had admitted feeling “alone and afraid” while working in Alaska in 2003 during a revealing interview in The Guardian where he admitted turning to drugs and alcohol. “I was shameful, did stuff that caused disgust – that’s hard to recover from,” he had said, but he had quit drugs in 1983 and was sober for 20 years following the birth of his first son.

Williams’ wife, graphic designer Susan Schneider, sent a written statement to CNN through his media representative. She says: “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.”

President Barack Obama sent a statement about the death from the White House: “Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. he arrived in our lives as an alien – but ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most – from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized in our own streets.”

Williams was born in Chicago on July 21, 1951, and studied acting at Juillard School before doing stand-up comedy at nightclubs. He shot to fame in the Seventies in the show “Mork and Mindy” – a spin-off from a role that Williams had played in “Happy Days”.

Williams, who won an Oscar for his supporting role in Good Will Hunting, will reprise his role as Theodore Roosevelt in the third installment of Night at the Museum this December. He had recently signed on to reprise his beloved role as Mrs. Doubtfire in a sequel to be directed by Chris Columbus and was last seen opposite Annette Bening in the indie film The Face of Love.

Apart from the U.S. president’s statement, a number of actors remembered the great star.

Comedian Steve Martin (on twitter): “I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner genuine soul.”

Actor Henry Winkler of “Happy Days” (on twitter): “To watch him create on the spot was a privilege to behold. Robin you are an angel now. Rest in peace.”

Producer/creator of “Mork & Mindy”: “Robin loved to stay up late and always had more energy than any person anywhere, in any room. I said to him that night, ‘Do you think we will ever grow up?’ And he said without missing a beat, ‘I’m afraid if I ever grow up, I won’t be able to make a living.’ Play was his passion and what drove him each day.” Williams “was hands-down a comedy genius and one of the most talented performers I have ever worked with in television or film,” Marshall said. “To lose him so young … is just a tragedy. I will forever be in awe of his timing, his talent and his pure and golden creativity. He could make everybody happy, but himself.”

Actor Val Kilmer (on Twitter): “One of the greatest nights of my youth was spent with dear Robin Williams. Let’s all get closer to our friends who are down, and share love.”

Actor James Woods (on Twitter): “Robin’s death is an incomprehensible tragedy. There simply are no words. Blessings on his loved ones.”

Actor Kevin Spacey: “Robin Williams made the world laugh & think. I will remember & honor that. A great man, artist and friend. I will miss him beyond measure.”

Actress Goldie Hawn: “Oh Robin…Our hearts are broken. Rest in peace darling. We loved you.”

Actress Jessica Castain: “Robin Williams changed my life. He was a great actor and a generous person.”

Director Steven Spielberg: “Robin was a lightning storm of comic genius and our laughter was the thunder that sustained him.”

Comedian Carl Reiner: “Never has there been a more talented, more loved and admired performer. What a shame he left as he did. You will be missed Robin Williams.”

Actor Jay Leno: “I saw him on stage the very first time he auditioned at the Improv in Los Angeles, and we have been friends ever since. It’s a very sad day.”

Comedian Goerge Lopez (on Twitter): “Vaya Con Dios, my friend. I love you.”

Comedian Jim Gaffigan: “I didn’t know I could be so sad, angry, stunned and grateful at the same time.”

Actor Jon Cryer of “Two and a Half Men” (on Twitter): “We will try to carry on, but it won’t be any fun without you.”

Actor Danny DeVito: “All I can think about is what a joy he was to be with. I’m devastated. I’m sending my love to his family and everyone who loved him. My heart is broken by this news.”

Actress Fran Drescher who performed with Williams in “Cadillac Man”: “He taught me to care about everyone on a show. From top to bottom he took time for all. A talent. Big loss.”

Actor Ben Stiller who worked with Williams in “Night at the Museum” (on Twitter): “A tweet cannot begin to describe the hugeness of Robin Williams’ heart and soul. This is so sad.”

The marquee of the Sunset Strip, a comedy place for stand-up comedians: “Robin Williams. Rest in Peace. Make God Laugh.”

Robin Williams Final Instagram Post

Active on social media, Williams final Instagram post two weeks ago was devoted to his daughter.  “Happy Birthday to Ms. Zelda Rae Williams! Quarter of a century old today but always my baby girl. Happy Birthday@zeldawilliams Love you!”

Today

Flowers will be placed on the great actor’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 9.30 a.m. though a makeshift memorial quickly sprang up this afternoon with flowers and notes from fans.