Robin Williams' son Zak admits 'sharing him with the world was hard' and reveals he felt 'helpless' amid his dad's struggles
Late actor Robin Williams' son, Zak Williams, recently said that it was sometimes hard for him to share his father with the world. Zak made the statement while speaking to Good Morning Britain just days before the Hollywood comic's five-year death anniversary. The legendary actor committed suicide in 2014 at the age of 63.
Zak told the host of the British show how much he misses his father and how he deals with the public and private loss of the late film star. While speaking live from Naples, he said of his late father: "Being Robin Williams’ son was wonderful in so many ways [but] having to share him with the world was hard at times."
"When he was having challenges and going through certain things it was heartbreaking because he still went out and wanted to share his feelings of laughter and humour with the world," the 36-year-old continued. "And, while he was suffering and struggling, he still went out and performed. I admire him and loved him. Having to share him was hard."
"For the most part he was very good at putting his personal struggles aside and soldiering on. When it did show through it was sad to see someone who was suffering so. As a family member and child you want to do everything you can to help soothe and ease what seemed to be a really intense personal pain. There were times when it felt like there was helplessness from my part, I didn’t know what I could do, or best support," Zak added.
Zak is one of the three children of the 'Mrs Doubtfire' star. Williams other children are 29-year-old Zelda, and 27-year-old Cody.
''Amongst those people close to him, we all love him so and found it difficult. He wasn’t always open to sharing his personal pain and struggle. We noticed that over a period of time," Zak said during the segment. "Sharing the grieving process with the world was hard. At times it was hard to differentiate what involved private grieving, and experiencing that loss, versus public grieving and experiencing that type of community interaction and communicating. I wasn’t prepared."
"It was challenging. But I’m very grateful for the outpouring of love and support that continued… Here we are almost five years later. I feel the massive impact and difference he made. My son is almost two months old, his name is McLaurin, it was also my father’s middle name, it’s a family name."
"What both his mum and I are seeking to do is be vulnerable and open and sharing our feelings and love for him. Life can feel short and it’s just important to really share the love and feelings of affection when you can… At this point we just feel really blessed," the Oscar-winning actor's son added.