IT has been revealed that Robin Williams was suffering from the early stages of Parkinsons when he took his own life on Monday.
His wife Susan Scheider said in a statement that he "wasn't ready to share his diagnosis with the world" and added that his "sobriety was intact" when he died of suicide.
The heartbroken star said of her late husband: "'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."
The news adds more pathos to the story that has shocked Hollywood and fans the world over.
Related article: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck pay tribute to man who made their dreams come true
Parkinson's is a debilitating and degenerative disease for which there is no cure.
Michael J Fox is a high profile sufferer of the disease and has campaigned tirelessly for more research and funding into a cure.
Susan also added that the extraordinary outpouring of public grief and support had given his shocked family some comfort.
She said: "Since his passing, all of us who loved Robin have found some solace in the tremendous outpouring of affection and admiration for him from the millions of people whose lives he touched."
The beloved actor and comedian, who was said to have recenly been battling "severe depression", was found dead in his California home on Monday.
Tributes continue to pour in for the troubled star.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.