It has been 10 years since Robin Williams was found dead in his home at Paradise Cay, California after he committed suicide by hanging. During this year’s anniversary of the actor’s death, an image, supposedly the last photo, of Robin Williams with a monkey on his shoulder made rounds on social media, and let to some misconceptions about the actor.
Robin’s daughter Zelda did not hesitate to respond to the photo, which was accompanied by a note that read, “One of the last photos of a gem of a man, with his pet monkey, taken a few days before he committed suicide by hanging at the age of 63.”
Zelda slams a post claiming a last photo of Robin Williams shows him with his pet monkey
It’s been brought to my attention some probably AI written BS like this is going viral. Dad didn’t own a pet monkey, NO ONE should, and if you’re ever tempted to, support your local exotic animal rescues instead. That is his Night at the Museum costar, who now lives at one. https://t.co/VmYHD8dE34
— Zelda Williams (@zeldawilliams) August 11, 2024
Zelda fired back at the viral post on X, formerly Twitter, saying her dad never owned a pet monkey. She also noted that those interested in getting one of such creatures should support their local exotic animal rescues instead.
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She explained that the monkey in the photo was Crystal the monkey, who featured as Dexter alongside Robin—who played Theodore Roosevelt—in Night at the Museum. She also refuted claims that the snap was Robin’s last. To conclude, Zelda thought it was better to ignore similar posts going forward and urged her father’s fans to do so too.
Zelda carries on Robin’s legacy
Zelda is one of Robin’s three kids from his marriages to Valerie Velardi and Marsha Garces. The 35-year-old began following in her father’s steps as early as 5, with 1994’s In Search of Dr. Seuss marking her on-screen debut. Three decades in, Zelda then made her directorial debut in the recently released zombie rom-com Lisa Frankenstein.
She collaborates with her older half-brother Zak on mental health awareness programs, while Robin’s third and last wife Susan Schneider Williams, published an essay in the medical journal Neurology about his final days in 2016. The late actor suffered from depression anxiety, and Parkinson’s disease for years before giving up on life.