Robin Williams was remembered by his son, Zak Williams, while discussing his final months. Zak said his father was seeking support before his 2014 death. He also recalled feeling that Robin was close to finding meaningful relief.
Zak Williams reflects on his father Robin’s final months and search for relief
Zak Williams, 43, discussed his father’s final months on The Squeeze podcast. He described Robin as frustrated while trying to find support. “He was having a frustrating time and was seeking support,” Zak said.
Zak said Robin was trying to understand what could help him experience relief. He recalled feeling deeply concerned during that period. “I don’t think he was far off from finding something that would have felt like it was more helpful,” Zak said. He said Robin had given so much to others throughout his life. “I had hopes that he would have found some peace.”
He said his father’s death left him with unresolved feelings. “For me there’s some unresolved considerations relating to that,” he said. Robin died by suicide on August 11, 2014, at age 63.
Years later, doctors determined Robin had Lewy body dementia. The progressive condition was discovered after his earlier Parkinson’s diagnosis. Zak previously discussed the frustration and discomfort surrounding that misdiagnosis.
In a 2021 podcast appearance, He described how Robin’s experiences differed from typical Parkinson’s symptoms. “What he was going through didn’t match one to one,” he said. Zak also discussed the medications his father received.
“Those drugs are no joke,” Zak said at the time. “They’re also really hard on the mind and the body.” His comments highlighted the challenges Robin faced before his final weeks. Zak continued discussing grief and his father’s legacy publicly. He has described grief as something that changes rather than disappears. “For me, grief isn’t linear,” he previously wrote.
Zak’s reflections also centered on Robin’s generosity and kindness. He remembered loving his father deeply and wishing he had found peace. For Zak, that hope remains part of his continuing grief.
