美国喜剧演员罗宾．威廉姆斯死于自杀

Robin Williams, who was found dead at his home near San Francisco, California, the victim of an apparent suicide.  He was 63.

U.S. President Barack Obama praised Williams as a "one of a kind" performer who "touched every element of the human spirit."

Local authorities say they believe Williams died from asphyxia, but the exact cause of death is still under investigation.

The entertainer's publicist issued a statement late Monday saying Williams had recently been battling depression.  Williams developed a drug and alcohol problem early in his career, and had admitted himself into a rehabilitation facility just a few weeks ago to help him maintain his sobriety.

Williams was a stand-up comedian when he made his television debut in the late 1970s playing an alien on the situation comedy "Mork and Mindy."  He moved into motion pictures and won acclaim for numerous roles, including "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Good Morning Vietnam," "Dead Poets Society," and "Good Will Hunting," which earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1998.