Actor Robin Williams found dead in apparent suicide

The actor was reportedly battling severe depression

Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams has died at the age of 63.

According to police in Marin County, California, Williams was found 'unconscious and not breathing' just before noon yesterday inside his home in Tiburon, California, following a 911 phone call.

He was pronounced dead at 12:02 pm after emergency personnel arrived.

An investigation into the cause of the death is underway, but 'the Sheriff's Office Coroner Division suspects the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia.'

A forensic examination is scheduled for today along with a press conference in San Rafael, California.

Williams' publicist Mara Buxbaum said, "Williams has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time."

His wife, Susan Schneider, said, "This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf of Robin's family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions."

Added David Steinberg, his manager of 35 years, "Nobody made the world laugh like Robin Williams. My brother, my friend, my soulmate, I will miss you."

Williams, a four-time Oscar nominee, won a supporting actor Oscar for Good Will Hunting for his portrayal of a wise and morose psychologist. He most recently starred in CBS' comedy The Crazy Ones, which lasted only one season. He was nominated for a People's Choice Award for his role as an advertising executive on the comedy, in which Sarah Michelle Gellar played his daughter.

Crazy Ones production company 20th Century Fox TV said in a statement, "Robin Williams was a comedy giant, and although we only knew him personally for a season, he was warm, funny and a true professional. He was one of a kind."

Williams also recently starred in the feature Angriest Man in Brooklyn opposite Mila Kunis, Melissa Leo and Peter Dinklage.

His next project is the feature film Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, the third film in the trilogy, which is set to hit theaters on December 19 via 20th Century Fox.

In addition to his Oscar, Williams won two Emmys, four Golden Globes, five Grammys and two SAG Awards.

Hollywood mourned the death of the actor on Twitter after news broke Monday afternoon.

"I will never forget the day I met him and he stood on his head in my office chair and pretended to drink a glass of water using his finger like a straw," Happy Days and Mork & Mindy creator Garry Marshall recalled.

Williams' first comic film role was the lead in Robert Altman's live-action Popeye (1980), which received mixed reviews. He went on to delight audiences in a long string of big-screen comedies, including 1993's Mrs Doubtfire and 1996's The Birdcage. He also lent his voice to Disney's animated classic Aladdin (1992), playing the Genie, a part written specifically for him.

Robin Williams: Genie you are free