Actor Robin Williams dead from apparent suicide - Police

A statement from the Marin County Sheriff's Department said the 63-year-old funnyman was found shortly before midday at his home in Tiburon, northern California.

"At this time, the Sheriff's Office Coroner Division suspects the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia," the statement said.

The veteran actor's publicist said the "Good Will Hunting" star he had been battling depression prior to his death.

"Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late," Mara Buxbaum said in a statement.

"This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time."

Heartbroken wife Susan Schneider urged the father-of-three's millions of fans to remember his genius for creating laughter.

"This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings," said Schneider, who became the actor's third wife when the couple married in 2011.

"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."

One of the most beloved American entertainers of his generation, Williams rose to fame in the iconic US television sitcom "Mork & Mindy".

He later reeled off a string of big-screen hits, which included 1987's "Good Morning Vietnam", where he played a motormouth US military disc jockey, 1989's "Dead Poets Society" as a maverick English teacher and 1997's "Good Will Hunting" which earned him a best supporting actor Oscar.