“None of the doctors knew that there was this ghost disease underlying all of this. When that was revealed, that was like essentially finding out the name of my husband’s killer,” Schneider said at the time.
Needless to say, Williams’ passing affected a lot of people adversely, not least his closest friends and family.
One man who fell firmly into the first category was Sir Billy Connolly, who himself has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. When asked what he might have done differently had he known Williams planned on taking his own life, the comedian and actor said: “You have to give a guy the position that he’s wise enough to make up his own mind,” he said. “I don’t think so,” he added, when asked if he wouldn’t have tried to save his life, Connolly admitted.
Connolly shared that Williams called him during the week of his death, inviting him to dinner, where the movie star made a heartfelt statement. In the BBC program “In My Own Words,” Connolly reflected on their friendship, calling it a “lovely thing” and noting that Williams helped him feel less “alone” in the comedy world.
Recalling their final dinner, Connolly said, “He phoned me and said, ‘Let’s have dinner,’ and during the dinner, he said, ‘I love you.’ I said thanks very much. He said, ‘Do you believe me?’ I said ‘Of course I do.’ He said, ‘Believe me, I love you.’ I said, ‘That’s great.'”
Reflecting on the unusual nature of the conversation, Connolly noted, “I thought ‘how weird, how weird for him to say that, it’s not like his usual.’ He was dead on the weekend.”
He believes this was Williams’ way of saying goodbye, adding, “It was a sad day in my life because I saw his whole career and it was stunning. He was like a rocket-ship, just took off. He was the best ever.”
Social media users reacted to Williams’ last words as one person expressed, “So sad.” Someone else assumed, “Robin Williams wasn’t understood and wasn’t listened to. Anyone who needs to talk should have an ear.” While another wrote, “It is very difficult to read, heartbreaking.”
Robin Williams’ life and career touched countless people, and his final moments with close friends revealed the depth of his emotional struggles. His legacy as a brilliant comedian and compassionate individual continues to inspire and resonate with fans worldwide.
Rest in peace, Robin Williams.
