Robin Williams had Parkinson's disease at time of his death

Robin Williams’ wife said that the actor was not ready to share his struggles to the public.

17:04 15 August 2014

Susan Schneider, Robin Williams’ widow, has confirmed that the actor was battling early stages of Parkinson’s disease at the time of his death.

The 63-year-old Oscar winner, who struggled with alcohol and drug addiction in the past, was said to be sober at the time of his death.

"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," Ms Schneider said.

Williams’ family hopes that they will use the actor’s tragic death to seek help “to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid.”

She added: "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.

"His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles."

Williams was found by his assistant hanged in the bedroom of his northern California home on Monday.