A final date: Robin Williams surprised wife Susan Schneider at the first place they met just days before ending his life
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The last days of Robin Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time, were tragically overwhelmed by a brain-eating disease that took over his emotions. The actor and comedian, however, managed to remind his wife Susan Schneider how much he loved her with a final romantic gesture just days before his death.
It was only after Williams died that an autopsy revealed he was suffering from a severe case of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), Lewy Bodies are clumps of protein that clog up the brain tissue and are deemed responsible for 10-15% of dementia cases. After learning about the cause behind her husband's condition, Schneider, 59, made it her life's mission to educate the public on the disease and even created a documentary titled 'Robin's Wish' focusing on the actor's experience.
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How they met
After two failed marriages, Williams gave love another shot and married his third wife, Susan Schneider, whom he reportedly met in 2007. Their first meeting was rather unexpected as both were running errands and happened to be at the same Apple Store. Schneider recalled spotting the actor and wondering if it was actually Robin Williams. When their eyes met, Williams' heartwarming smile nudged her to approach him and say hello. She used the camouflage shirt he was wearing as a conversation starter. “How’s that camo working for you?” she asked, and he responded, “Not too well, you found me.” The pair hit it off right from the get-go and dated for four years before tying the knot in 2011. They lived in Marin County with Schneider's two sons from her first marriage. But just two years after they took the holy vows, Williams' health started to deteriorate.
'This is where it all began'
Despite his struggles, the acclaimed thespian did his best to be present in his life. His final Instagram post was in honor of his daughter Zelda's 25th birthday when he shared a childhood photo of them and reminded her she would always be his little girl. Williams also surprised his wife with a final romantic gesture weeks before his death -- rewinding the clock back to where it all started, the Apple Store. Schneider said she was at the store running the same errand she was when they first met when she suddenly saw her husband walking in with flowers. "Oh my God, what are you doing?" she remembered asking him, and Williams reminded her, "This is where it all began." She was stunned that he still remembered where their love story began despite his memory loss.
'Goodnight, my love'
The day before Williams died, he and Schneider spent their Saturday together doing everything they loved. She was convinced by the end of their outing that her husband was getting better. After spending the whole day together, the lovebirds went to bed and wished each other goodnight like they always did. "Good night, my love," they said to each other -- words that still echo in Schneider's head. However, Schneider woke up the next day to the horrifying sight of her husband's lifeless body. The couple reportedly slept in separate rooms as recommended by the doctor, but it became clear to her that Williams wanted to give her a final gift of love and a positive lasting memory of them together before ending his own life.
The aftermath
Schneider has reportedly not contacted Williams' children since his death. The family is said to have gone through a messy court battle about the actor's $100 million estate. The widow revealed that they wished each other well at the end and went their separate ways. She said she was not sure if Williams' children had watched her documentary but understood it was difficult for them to relive those moments. Schneider admitted she herself still struggled to watch some of her husband's work. She recalled a conversation they had about the legacy he wanted to leave behind when the actor said, "I want to help people be less afraid," according to Amomama. Now, she hopes to fulfill her late husband's wish.