Robin Williams Parkinsons Disease: Michael J. Fox Reacts To Late Actor's Illness [REPORT]

While the whole world mourns beloved actor Robin Williams, the investigation to find out the exact causes of the comedian’s death continues. Needless to say there have been speculations of all kinds, including drug abuse at the time of his apparent suicide. While the coroner’s office has not released its toxicology report, the actor’s third wife since October 2011, Susan Schneider, released a statement saying that Williams was completely sober at the time of his death, and was battling anxiety, depression and early stages of Parkinson’s disease.

"Robin's sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson's disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly," Schneider said. "It is our hope in the wake of Robin's tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid."

This is the first we've heard of Robin William's Parkinson's disease, and it is apparently a stunning revelation for his close friends as well. In fact, even friend Michael J. Fox, who has battled Parkinson's disease for decades, did not know that Williams was diagnosed with the illness.

"Stunned to learn Robin had PD," tweeted the "Back To The Future" actor. "Pretty sure his support for our Fdn predated his diagnosis. A true friend; I wish him peace."

Michael J. Fox is a devoted supporter of Parkinson's research and founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation to raise awareness for the disease. One of Fox's greatest supporters was Robin Williams, who gave so much to the foundation and even donated his time to help organizations including USO and the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system. Individuals suffering from Parkinson's disease will experience shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty walking. Later, behavioral problems may rise as dementia is commonly associated with advanced stages of Parkinson's disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure.

Michael J. Fox suffered from Parkinson's disease since 1991, but it took him seven years before he publicly announced his battle. In an insightful interview with Howard Stern, Fox admitted to his difficulty coping with the illness.

"My first reaction to [the diagnosis] was to start drinking heavily," he told Howard Stern on Stern's Sirius XM Radio show. "I used to drink to party, but now I was drinking alone and ... every day. Once I did that it was then about a year of like a knife fight in a closet, where I just didn't have my tools to deal with it."

No doubt, Parkinson's disease is a difficult condition to cope with. Michael J. Fox thanked his wife Tracy Pollan as well as Alcoholic's Anonymous for helping him through the difficult times. For Robin Williams fans that are touched by the pain that Parkinson's disease inflicts on people, be sure to visit the Michael J. Fox foundation official website to get educated about the disease and to learn how you can help.