In 2014, the world was stunned by the sudden loss of the beloved comedian Robin Williams, who took his own life. Now, friends and colleagues of the late actor provide an intimate glimpse into the years leading up to his tragic suicide.
In Vice’s “The Dark Side of Comedy” documentary series, the extent of Williams’ struggles with drug use took center stage as his episode marked the premiere of the show’s second season.
Williams initially embarked on his career in stand-up comedy during the 1970s, gaining widespread recognition after his appearance as the alien character Mork in an episode of “Happy Days.” This role ultimately led to his own television series, “Mork and Mindy.” Subsequently, he ventured into the world of cinema with his portrayal of “Popeye.”
Friends of Williams began to notice his challenges with fame as he oscillated between thriving in social settings and craving solitude. Gina Hecht, his co-star from “Mork and Mindy,” shared, “Robin’s highs were so high and his lows were often low,” a sentiment echoed in the documentary.
Robin Williams (Credits: Getty Images)
Given his high-octane performances on stage, speculation arose that Williams had turned to cocaine, with reports of him heading to the back of The Comedy Store, a location known for drug activity.
Allan Stephan, a close friend of Williams, recounted a concerning moment when the comedian urgently sought cocaine. Stephan’s response highlighted the surreal nature of the situation as he grappled with the idea of Robin Williams needing such substances to perform.
Despite these concerns, Williams continued to indulge in drug use, a fact attributed to his immense fame, where substances were readily available.
Mike Binder, a comedian and filmmaker, recalled an event involving a gram of cocaine with Williams that showed how low the comedian had descended. The difficulties Williams encountered when he ingested the entire gram were highlighted by Binder’s story.
Williams’ usage of cocaine crept into his comedic performances, which was uncovered by the documentary. Howie Mandel observed that Williams frequently integrated jokes about drugs into his performances, drawing laughter from audiences who were unaware of the seriousness of his drug misuse.
Mike Binder And Robin Williams (Credits: Getty Images)
Williams’ close friend John Belushi’s terrible death in 1982 acted as a wake-up call. Williams was profoundly affected by Belushi’s overdose at a bungalow at the Chateau Marmont Hotel in West Hollywood, which led him to face his own drug abuse. His first son’s birth in 1983 served as more motivation for him to change his ways, and he quickly stopped using cocaine.
Williams made the decision to protect his special skill by avoiding dangerous substances since he understood the worth of it. His career kept thriving, with appearances at The Met and parts in movies like “Good Will Hunting,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and “Night at the Museum.”
However, the years leading to his 2014 demise were marred by an undiagnosed battle with Lewy body dementia, a neurological disorder that affected his thinking, memory, and motor skills. Williams appeared fatigued and unlike his usual self on set before his tragic suicide on August 11, 2014.
Posthumously, it was revealed that Williams had Lewy body dementia, the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s. The condition impacts various aspects of cognitive and motor function. An autopsy detected no illegal drugs or alcohol in his system, leaving his friends and colleagues with lingering questions and a sense of loss.
Steven Pearl, a comedian and friend, recalled the last time he saw Williams, describing a changed man who struggled to recognize people, leaving an unsettling feeling that something was amiss. The full extent of Williams’ internal struggles remains a poignant reminder of the complexity of human existence, even for a comedic genius.
