Robin Williams' son pays heartbreaking tribute to late star on ninth anniversary of his death

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By Kim Novak

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Robin Williams's son Zak has paid a touching tribute to his late father on the ninth anniversary of his death.

The beloved actor, who was known for roles in Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, and Aladdin among many other hit movies, died by suicide on August 11, 2014.

While it has been almost a decade since his tragic death, fans and his loved ones alike have felt the loss of such an iconic star ever since.

Zak, 40, took to Instagram to share a photo of his father wearing an oversized graphic tee and baggy cargo shorts, writing: "Dad, on the 9th anniversary of your passing, I'm remembering you for your most excellent fashion choices.

"These days are always hard and I love remembering you for being so very, very YOU. Love you so much!"

Fans immediately flooded the comments with their own memories of the actor, writing: "Your Dad was a major part of my childhood. He was a genie, an eccentric but lovable bat, a nanny, a sailor, a man who was a boy who could fly, and so much more. I only ever heard amazing things about him over the years, and it truly broke my heart when he passed away. Every time I think of him, I always wish I could have met him and thanked him for all the amazing work he did and how he made my childhood so much better. May he rest in peace."

Another added: "I’m praying for your family Zak. Your dad is universally loved and missed. He made the world a brighter place and I’m glad I was in it at the same time he was."

One also thanked Robin for helping them through the difficult times, writing: "Love your dad and all the joy and laughs he provided us all. By far my Favorite of his movies is Birdcage I always suffered from bad panic attacks and his movies have helped me so much I'm just laughing and forgetting it all. He has saved me so many times."

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Credit: Instagram
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Credit: Instagram

Robin's representative had confirmed that the actor took his own life at the age of 63, saying in a statement at the time that the actor "had been battling severe depression of late."

It was later revealed that Robin had Lewy body dementia, the second most common type of dementia following Alzheimer's disease.

The ninth anniversary of his death comes just weeks after his children marked what would have been Robin's 72nd birthday on July 21.

Zak wrote at the time: "Happy 72nd Dad! Was remembering how much I used to love that look you'd give. That look with a mischievous, loving grin that your friends and loved ones knew so well. Joyous and curious and wondrous. Miss you and love you forever!"

His daughter Zelda added on Twitter that she believed that Robin would have been supporting the current writers and actors strike in Hollywood, as she shared a photo of him on the 2007 picket line and wrote: "Happy birthday to Poppo, who definitely would’ve been out there fighting the good fight for art and artists today and always."

The actor had always advocated for the rights of screenwriters, telling The Hollywood Reporter at the time: "This is not about millionaire screenwriters. They don’t need to be on strike. This is not about me, I’m fine.

"This is about a large amount of people who are simply trying to get their fair share."

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Zak paid touching tribute to his late dad. Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Robin is survived by Zak, who is his eldest son from his marriage to Valerie Velardi, as well as his daughter Zelda and son Cody, who he shared with his second wife Marsha Garces Williams.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org 

Featured image credit: Peter Kramer/Getty Images