00:00Robin Williams' wife is shedding light on a medical condition the actor was secretly
00:04dealing with prior to his reported suicide on Monday.
00:07Susan Schneider released a statement that not only confirmed her husband's battle with
00:11depression and anxiety, but also revealed for the first time that her husband had been
00:15diagnosed with early stages of Parkinson's disease — a fact she says he was not ready
00:21to share publicly.
00:22The illness, which is known to inhibit speech and motor skills, has affected such stars
00:27as Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali.
00:29In a statement, Schneider also dismisses reports that Williams, who struggled with drug and
00:33alcohol abuse in the past, had fallen off the wagon.
00:36She writes Robin's sobriety was intact at the time of his death.
00:39Williams' wife goes on to talk about why she decided to share this information with the
00:43public now.
00:44It is our hope in the wake of Robin's tragic passing that others will find the strength
00:48to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may
00:52feel less afraid.
00:54Fans in and outside of Hollywood continue to mourn the loss of the actor.
00:58Producers of the Emmy Awards, which airs August 25th, have confirmed plans to honor the actor
01:03with a special tribute.
01:04I'm Elaina Scantlin, stay tuned to ENTV for all of your entertainment news.
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