The heartbreaking suicides of these Hollywood stars, troubled artists, and other famous figures left an unforgettable mark on history.
When headlines announce the death of a beloved artist, athlete, government figure, or community leader, countless people are understandably overcome with shock and grief. But things can become even darker still if and when it’s revealed that that person died by their own hand.
All of the many famous suicides from story have a unique personal story behind them, though many of them also share striking, sad similarities. A great many celebrity suicides involve mental health issues in some form, while countless others involve addiction.
In all, the stories behind the famous suicides of everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Robin Williams show that even the rich, famous, and seemingly happy are not immune to the darkest of thoughts and the fatal consequences that those thoughts sometimes carry.
Famous Suicides: Robin Williams
Wikimedia CommonsRobin Williams, pictured in 1996.
His is not just one of the most famous suicides, but also one of the most shocking.
The death of Robin Williams stunned the world in 2014. Especially because he was known for his infectiously funny and good-natured personality, the loss of Williams left a lasting impact around the world.
Born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago, Williams eventually launched a career as an improviser and stand-up comedian. He transitioned to television in the 1970s with his show Mork & Mindy, which made him a household name.
Later in his career, Williams played iconic roles in films like Mrs. Doubtfire, Good Will Hunting, and Dead Poets Society. Unfortunately, throughout his life, Williams also battled drug and alcohol addiction as well as severe depression.
ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty ImagesRaquel Welch with Robin Williams on the set of Mork & Mindy on November 18, 1979.
On August 11, 2014, after a particularly rough period of time both personally and professionally, Williams was found dead in his California home. In a statement released by his publicist on the day of his death, she revealed that Williams had “been battling severe depression of late.”
His wife also said that on top of dealing with depression, the comedian had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
A press release issued the day after his death revealed how Robin Williams died: “asphyxia due to hanging.” There was also a pocket knife discovered at the scene and several cuts were made on his left wrist.
For days after his death, a stream of fans of all ages came by the comedian’s home to lay flowers and pay tribute to the man who had given them so much joy.
Eva Rinaldi/Wikimedia CommonsRobin Williams at the premiere of his movie Happy Feet Two on December 4, 2011.
His daughter, Zelda, spoke about the kind but troubled man the world adored, saying:
“He was always warm, even in his darkest moments. While I’ll never, ever understand how he could be loved so deeply and not find it in his heart to stay, there’s minor comfort in knowing our grief and loss, in some small way, is shared with millions.”
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or use their 24/7 Lifeline Crisis Chat.
