Robin Williams’ son opens up on star’s struggles

Robin Williams’ son Zachary has revealed how hard it was for their family to watch the star try to hide his “intense personal pain” from the world.

Robin Williams’ son admits he struggled to watch on while his late father was “suffering and struggling”.

The iconic actor and star of such films as Good Morning Vietnam and Mrs Doubtfire took his own life in 2014 at age 63.

Now his son Zachary has revealed he had a hard time and felt helpless seeing his dad continue to work while he was experiencing “intense personal pain”.

During an appearance on Good Morning Britain, the 36-year-old reflected on his late father’s life and his long-running struggle with mental health.

“For the most part he was very good at putting his personal struggles aside and soldiering on,” Zachary explained.

“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. Among 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.”

Robin Williams with then-wife Marsha and son Zachary at the premiere of One Hour Photo in 2002. Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Zachary, whose mother is Robin’s ex-wife Valerie Velardi, admitted he found it “heartbreaking” watching his dad put on a happy face and keep other people entertained when he knew the extent of his inner turmoil.

“Being Robin Williams’ son was wonderful in so many ways. Having to share him with the world was hard at times,” Zachary said.

“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. 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.”

Susan Schneider and Robin Williams at the 2012 The Comedy Awards in NYC. Picture: Theo Wargo/Getty Images

More pain was to come, he said, when the family had to reveal news of his father’s death to the public.

“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,” Zachary said.

“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.”

If you or anyone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.

This article originally appeared on the NZ Herald and was reproduced with permission