Just moments after Robin Williams’ widow revealed that the iconic comedian was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease before his death, Michael J. Fox tweeted that he was stunned by the news that his friend suffered from the same disease he has dealt with for decades.
As we reported on Thursday, Susan Schneider, Williams’ widow, released a statement on the Good Will Hunting actor’s last days. “Robin's sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson's Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly,” Schneider said in the statement.
She also said that she hopes her husband’s death will inspire others to seek the help they need and treat the battles they face.
Fox, who had already expressed his condolences on Twitter, returned to the social network to react to the news. The fellow actor admitted that he was surprised and noted that Williams was a strong supporter of his Michael J. Fox Foundation, which raises funds for Parkinson’s research.
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“Stunned to learn Robin had PD. Pretty sure his support for our Fdn predated his diagnosis. A true friend; I wish him peace,” Fox wrote.
Stunned to learn Robin had PD. Pretty sure his support for our Fdn predated his diagnosis. A true friend; I wish him peace.
— Michael J. Fox (@realmikefox) August 14, 2014
Williams died on Monday at age 63. That day, Fox wrote, “Famously kind, ferociously funny, a genius and a gentle soul. What a loss. #RobinWilliams.”
Disney also announced how it is paying tribute to Williams, who voiced the Genie in Aladdin. The film will air six times over the next few days on Disney networks. Here’s the schedule:
Saturday, Aug. 16, 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., ET/PT on Disney Channel.
Sunday, Aug. 17, 11:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., ET/PT on Disney XD.
Sunday, Aug. 17, 6:00 p.m., ET/PT on Disney Junior
Monday, Aug. 18, 11:00 a.m., ET/PT on Disney Junior
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