Robin Williams’ widow Susan has opened up about her husband’s shocking death for the first time, revealing that it wasn’t depression that caused him to commit suicide in August last year.
In a new interview with ABC’s Amy Robach, Susan says it was Robin’s struggle with Lewy body dementia (LBD) that led the beloved actor to take his own life – not a battle with depression, or a relapse into alcohol and drug addiction as some had previously speculated.
“It was what was going on inside of his brain, the chemical warfare that no one knew about,” Susan revealed tearfully.
“Lewy body dementia killed Robin. It’s what took his life.”
Susan had previously revealed that Robin was diagnosed with the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, but Robin’s autopsy report confirmed the actor was also suffering from Diffuse Lewy Body Dementia, a type of brain disorder. According to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, it affects an estimated 1.4 million people in the US.
Lewy bodies are ‘lumps’ of protein that form in the brain, which interfere with the brain’s ability to carry out a number of vital functions. Symptoms can appear similar to that of more commonly known diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, causing problems such as memory loss and reduced attention span, and affecting physical movements and emotions.
According to Susan, the months leading up to Robin’s passing were like a “nightmare”. When Amy asked if Robin was “losing his mind,” Susan replied “yes, absolutely – and he was aware of it”.
“He was keeping it together, as best he could, but the last month he could not. It was like the dam broke,” Susan said.
Robin and his children Cody (left) and Zelda (middle) at a film premiere in 2006. Photo: Getty
After his death last year, Susan was pulled into a widely publicised court battle with Robin’s three children Zachary, Zelda and Cody over his estate. In February, she claimed the trio arranged for some of Robin’s effects to be removed from their home without her permission.
In the second part of her ABC interview released today, Susan says she was “forced into” taking legal action against her stepchildren after learning that she might not be able to keep her and Robin’s wedding gifts.
“I know Robin Williams is famous. He’s my husband. If we’re talking that you guys think everything is memorabilia, then take me. He’s touched me. Where does this end?” she remembered telling one of the trustees charged with overseeing his estate.
The case was finally settled out of court early last month, resulting in an agreement which Susan says allows her to remain in her and Robin’s home.
Robin and Susan with his son Zachary in 2012. Photo: Getty
Reflecting on her husband’s death one year on, Susan revealed that she doesn’t blame him at all and still looks back on their time together fondly.
“It’s the best love I ever dreamed of. It’s what I always dreamed of,” she told Amy of their seven-year relationship and three-year marriage, adding that his last words to her were “Goodnight, my love.”
