Now, 10 Years After Robin Williams’ Death, His Best Friend, Billy Connolly Revealed The Actor’s Heartbreaking Last Word: Here’s What He Said!
Robin Williams was a renowned actor whose comedic and dramatic talents earned him critical acclaim throughout his career. He received Academy Award nominations for Best Actor for his performances in “Good Morning, Vietnam” (1987) and “The Fisher King” (1991), and won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his poignant role in “Good Will Hunting” (1997).
Despite his professional success, Williams struggled with personal challenges, including alcohol addiction. In 2014, he spent several weeks at the Hazelden facility in Minnesota as a precautionary measure to bolster his sobriety. His representative clarified that this was a proactive step rather than a response to a relapse, stating, “After completing several projects back-to-back, Robin is taking the time to refine and focus on his continued commitment to sobriety, which he is very proud of.
In August 2014, Williams candidly discussed his battle with alcohol abuse in an interview with Diane Sawyer. Reflecting on his relapse after two decades of sobriety, he described it as a gradual process. He likened the experience to a quiet, insistent voice tempting him to give in, acknowledging the difficulty of resisting such urges.
Williams’ life came to a tragic end on August 11, 2014, at the age of 63, in what was determined to be a suicide at his home. Marin County Police in California reported that he was found dead shortly after responding to an emergency call.
Connolly recounted a poignant moment from the final week of Robin Williams’ life. The two had shared a dinner after Williams extended an invitation, during which the actor expressed his deep affection in an unusually heartfelt manner. Connolly reflected on this moment during his appearance on the BBC program “In My Own Words,” describing it as a “lovely thing” that made him feel less isolated in the comedy world.
During their last dinner together, Williams told Connolly, “Let’s have dinner,” and then, with great sincerity, declared, “I love you.” Connolly responded gratefully, to which Williams asked, “Do you believe me?” Connolly affirmed, “Of course I do,” and Williams repeated, “Believe me, I love you.” Connolly noted the unusual nature of the conversation, remarking, “It struck me as odd for him to be so open, which was out of character.” Williams passed away that same weekend. Connolly speculated that this heartfelt exchange was Williams’ way of saying goodbye, describing it as a profoundly sad moment for him. He reflected on Williams’ remarkable career, saying, “He soared like a rocket-ship; his career was extraordinary. He truly was the best ever.”
Following his death, it was revealed that Williams had been grappling with severe depression. His widow, Susan Schneider, later disclosed that a few months prior to his passing, he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which was just one aspect of his broader health struggles.
Robin Williams’ legacy is marked by his extraordinary contributions to entertainment and his profound impact on those who knew him. His struggles and achievements continue to resonate with fans and colleagues, celebrating his exceptional talent and compassionate spirit.