Robin Williams’ Passing: Christopher Reeve’s Family, Michael J. Fox & Muhammad Ali Comment On Actor’s Death & Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis

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The outpouring of emotions and tributes following news of the death of 63 year old actor Robin Williams has included his former Mork and Mindy co-star actress Pam Dawber, wife of NCIS lead actor Mark Harmon, his recently cancelled The Crazy Ones co-star Sarah Michele Gellar, but also the family of Christopher Reeve, Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali.

Christopher Reeve and Robin Williams studied acting at Julliard and became fast friends as roommates in the 1970’s. Williams was a huge support to actor Christopher Reeve an dhis family after the Superman actor’s horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him a quadriplegic. Reeve died in October 2004 at the age of 52.

Christopher Reeve’s family had the following to say about the tragic passing of Robin Williams and his friendship with Christopher and his family:

“The Reeve family, like many, will remember Robin for the humor, energy and brightness he brought into our lives through the screen. We will cherish him, though, for the quiet and unwavering support he showed our family through the hardest times. The world knew Robin as a comedic titan, but to our family, he was simply one of our Dad’s dearest friends. From the moment they were classmates at Julliard, their friendship transformed into a brotherhood that was built on a mutual admiration for the theater, the arts and, most importantly, laughter.”

“After our father’s accident, Robin’s visit to his hospital room was the first time that Dad truly laughed. Dad later said, ‘My old friend had helped me know that somehow I was going to be okay.’ Robin and his incredible family stayed by our side for the rest of Dad’s life, and long after that as well. He and Marsha Garces joined the Board of the Reeve Foundation, and provided unending support without fanfare or question.”

“Robin’s unparalleled legacy on-screen will last through the ages. But beyond the gift of laughter, he gave our family and the Reeve Foundation the gift of his simple, steadfast friendship. It’s a gift we’ll treasure forever.”

News also broke recently from Robin Williams’ widow that he received an early diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. It is also being commented on by health professionals that many people who are afflicted with Parkinson’s Disease suffer from depression as a result of such a diagnosis and with the onset of the disease. A tireless example of energy and passion despite being afflicted with Parkinson’s Disease is actor Michael J. Fox.

Michael J. Fox commented initially on Robin Williams’ tragic passing and on the recent revelation of Williams’ diagnosis on his twitter account as per the below.

Another high-profile Parkinson’s Disease advocate and sufferer, former boxing great Muhammad Ali, shared a photo and commented on Robin Williams’ death on his twitter account when the news first broke.

Ali has not commented further after Williams’ Parkinson’s Diagnosis was revealed recently.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family and friends of Robin Williams at this difficult time.

John is a long-time pop culture fan, comics historian, and blogger. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief at Comics Nexus. Prior to being EIC he has produced several column series including DEMYTHIFY, NEAR MINT MEMORIES and the ONE FAN'S TRIALS at the Nexus plus a stint at Bleeding Cool producing the COMICS REALISM column. As BabosScribe, John is active on his twitter account, his facebook page, his instagram feed and welcomes any and all feedback. Bring it on!