Battling depression and tormented by cash problems, Robin Williams looked a shadow of his former self before he took his own life, a neighbour has revealed.
The tragic comedy legend had told of his misery at having to return to TV at the age of 63 and take on film roles he did not want because two divorces had cost him £20million.
One resident in the quiet community where Robin lived, thought to have been the last neighbour to see him alive, spotted the actor recently and said tearfully: “Robin looked terrible. He had lost all his weight and look exceptionally gaunt. It was as though there was nothing behind his eyes, just a shell.”
The Mrs Doubtfire star had put his beautiful California ranch with a five-bed villa and vineyard on sale due to the divorce payments to ex-wives Valerie Velardi and Marsha Garces. Friends also said he was an incredibly generous person who gave cash to help others.
And the dad-of-three, who had not been on TV since 1982 when he starred in Mork & Mindy, had returned as an ad man in the The Crazy Ones, which was dropped after just one series. Robin was also due to reprise his role as Mrs Doubtfire for a sequel to the film.
One source said the axing of the TV show sent the comic into a spiral of gloom. As officials confirmed the veteran screen star hanged himself at home, the insider added: “Robin slipped into a deep depression. He felt embarrassed and humiliated the show was a failure.
“It was very hard for Robin to accept. Here he was in his 60s, and forced to take a role on television for the money. It’s just not where he thought he would be at this point in his life.”
A family friend who recently spoke to Robin told a US website: “All he could talk about were serious money troubles. There were clearly other issues going on and Robin sounded distant during the telephone conversation. Robin was known for being so generous to his friends and family during the height of his success, and would help anyone out that needed it.
“There was also frustration Robin expressed at having to take television and movie roles he didn’t want to take, but had to for the pay cheque. Doing sequels was never Robin’s thing, and he wasn’t that excited at having to reprise the role of Mrs Doubtfire, which was scheduled to start filming later this year.”
Robin divorced Valerie in 1988 after 10 years together. They had a son Zachary, now, 31. He married Zachary’s nanny Marsha Garces in 1989 and they had two children, Zelda, 25 and 22-year-old Cody. The couple split in 2008. But that did not stop him marrying for a third time in 2011 when he wed graphic designer Susan Schneider.
Robin was found dead by his personal assistant on Monday at the couple’s waterfront home in Tiburon, near San Francisco. He was partially clothed and had hanged himself while in a seated position. He also had minor wounds on his left wrist and a pocket knife was nearby.
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