Breaking News: Comedian and Award-Winning Actor Robin Williams Passes Away at 63

According to published reports, comedian and Academy Award-winning actor Robin Williams died this morning, August 11, 2014. He was 63.

The coroner's office in Tiburon, Calif., has reported the death as probable suicide via asphyxiation.

UPDATE: The actor's autopsy will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, August 12, at the Marin County Coroner's Office in San Rafael, Calif.

His publicist issued the following statement: "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."

Williams' wife Susan Schneider said in a statement: "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."

Williams was a fixture of the entertainment world, a renowned comedian, screen actor and stage star. He rose to fame after his role as 'Mork' in the TV series Mork & Mindy and went on to star in the movies Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, Awakenings, The Fisher King and Good Will Hunting, for which he won the 1997 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

The actor starred on the silver screen in comedies such as Popeye, Hook, Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, The Birdcage, Night at the Museum and Happy Feet.

He recently appeared in the films The Angriest Man in Brooklyn, Boulevard and Lee Daniels' The Butler, as well as the comedy series The Crazy Ones opposite Sarah Michelle Gellar. Williams' upcoming projects include Merry Friggin' Christmas, Absolutely Anything and Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.

Williams made his Broadway debut in 2002 in Robin Williams: Live on Broadway and returned in 2011 for Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo. He also appeared off-Broadway opposite Steve Martin in Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot at Lincoln Center in 1988.

Photo Credit: Peter James Zielinski

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