Sad news today, as the world has lost the comedic genius and bright personality of Robin Williams. The actor died at the age of 63, after a career that stretched over more than three decades and earned him the love of millions. Probably the most disturbing information that has come to light since Williams’ sudden death, is that the actor may have committed suicide.

Robin Williams
Robin Williams fought his own inner demons, but continued entertaining the world. [Getty/Mike Coppola]

The 63-year-old Good Will Hunting star was found unresponsive by paramedics in his house in in Tiburon, north of San Francisco, at around 11:55 am on Monday. He was pronounced dead at the scene, with the coroner’s early assessment pegging the cause as asphyxiation.

Mr. Williams has struggled with depression throughout most of his career, though it intesified in his final months. His representative, Mara Buxbaum, released a statement later on Monday, saying simply: “Rob 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.”

More: Legendary Comedian Dies In Apparent Suicide

Williams’ wife also made a statement, asking for her family’s privacy to be respected and expressing her hope that the focus will remain not “on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.”

Robin WilliamsRobin Williams had suffered from bipolar disorder and severe depression [Getty/Neilson Barnard]

So far, the tributes to the late actor have kept that spirit, with tweets and breaking news reports recounting some of his biggest and best remembered achievements, from his breakthrough role in the 1978 sitcom Mork & Mindy, to iconic roles in films like Good Morning Vietnam, Mrs. Doubtfire, Dead Poets Society and The Birdcage. Even the youngest got to enjoy Williams’ talent through the voice he lent to the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin.

Next page: Robin Williams' battle with addiction