Zak Williams reveals Robin Williams was searching for relief before his death

Zak Williams remembers father Robin Williams’ final months, saying the actor was seeking support before his 2014 death

Zak Williams is reflecting on his late father Robin Williams’ final months, saying the actor was seeking support and appeared close to finding something that could have brought him relief before his death in 2014.

Speaking on The Squeeze podcast, Zak, 43, said Robin was struggling during the period before his death and was actively trying to understand what might help him.

“The days, weeks, months prior to him dying by suicide, I was really feeling for him because he was having a frustrating time and was seeking support,” Zak said. He added that he believed his father was “not far off” from finding something that could have been more helpful.

Zak said his father’s kindness and generosity also shaped how he remembers him. “I loved him so much,” he said, adding that he had hoped Robin would eventually find peace.

Robin Williams died by suicide at age 63 on August 11, 2014. After his death, it was determined that he had Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological condition that had not been diagnosed while he was alive. He had previously been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Zak has spoken publicly about the difficulties Robin experienced during his final years, including the frustration surrounding his Parkinson’s diagnosis. In a 2021 appearance on The Genius Life podcast, Zak said his father’s symptoms did not fully correspond with what many Parkinson’s patients experienced.

Zak, who advocates for mental health awareness, has also discussed his ongoing grief. In an Instagram tribute marking his father’s birthday, he described grief as something that “loops and echoes” while remembering Robin’s legacy of generosity and kindness.