Robin Williams' wife has been left "utterly heartbroken" by his death but has urged family, friends and fans to remember the "joy and laughter" he brought, not his tragic end.
The 62-year-old comic was found dead in an apparent suicide at his home in California yesterday and graphic designer Susan Schneider - who he married three years ago - has paid an emotional tribute to her "best friend".
She told the New York Times newspaper: "This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one if its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken.
US President Barack Obama has paid a touching tribute to Robin Williams following the comic's death in an apparent suicide.
Robin Williams and his wife Valerie Velardi was married from 1978 until 1988. Pic: Getty Images
Robin married his son's nanny, Marsha Garces, on April 30, 1989, who was already pregnant with the first of their two children together at the time, though they too went their separate ways, in March 2008. Pic: Getty Images
Robin Williams and wife Marsha Garces Williams, sons Cody, Zachary with girlfriend Alex, daughter Zelda. Pic: Getty Images
Hollywood stars including Kevin Spacey, Cher, Miley Cyrus, Evan Rachel Wood, Minnie Driver, Sharon Osbourne and Ellen DeGeneres have paid tribute to the late Robin Williams.
"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 that the focus will not be on Robin's death but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions."
Meanwhile, the last social media posting made by the 'Hook' star - who had long battled depression and checked into rehab last month as part of a sobriety maintenance programme - was a touching tribute to his daughter Zelda on her 25th birthday on July 31.
Sharing a sweet picture of his offspring as a child in his arms, he wrote: "#tbt and Happy Birthday to Ms. Zelda Rae Williams! Quarter of a century old today but always my baby girl. Happy Birthday @zeldawilliams Love you! (sic)"
Robin was married three times and had three children, Zac, 31, with first wife Valerie Velardi and Zelda and son Cody, 22, with his second wife Marsha Garces.
Pics: Getty Images