It’s hard to believe that a decade has passed since the world lost the iconic Robin Williams. A comedic genius and one of the most beloved actors in the entertainment industry, Williams’ passing on August 11, 2014, at the age of 63, left a gaping hole that can never truly be filled. Known for his extraordinary range—blending gut-busting humor with poignant vulnerability—Williams’ death was a shocking blow to millions of fans, friends, and family alike. The pain of his loss still lingers, and as the years roll on, people continue to reflect on his life, his career, and the heartbreak of what might have been.

In a recent interview, close friend and fellow comedian Billy Connolly opened up about his final conversation with Williams just days before the tragic event. Connolly’s recollection of Williams’ last words adds another layer of sorrow to an already deeply painful story.

Robin Williams: A Legend of Laughter and Tragedy

Robin Williams was much more than just a comedian—he was a force of nature, a performer who could turn the absurd into art and the mundane into magic. His legacy includes timeless classics such as Mrs. Doubtfire, Good Morning, Vietnam, Aladdin, and Good Will Hunting, for which he won an Academy Award. He had the rare ability to make people laugh uncontrollably and move them to tears in the same scene, often within minutes.

Yet beneath the humor and charisma, Williams struggled with internal battles that eventually proved too difficult to overcome. Despite his larger-than-life persona, his life was riddled with personal demons, including bouts of depression, addiction, and eventually, a misdiagnosed illness that would torment his final days.

The Tragic Circumstances of Williams’ Death

The circumstances surrounding Williams’ death only amplify the tragedy of his passing. In the months leading up to his suicide, Williams was battling severe depression and had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a condition he kept mostly private. However, it was later revealed through an autopsy that Williams was actually suffering from Lewy body dementia (LBD), a devastating disease that affects cognition, motor skills, and mood.

Lewy body dementia is a neurological disorder that, unbeknownst to Williams, was the cause of his rapid decline. His widow, Susan Schneider, later expressed that the disease was like “a terrorist inside his brain,” causing confusion, paranoia, and hallucinations. The diagnosis shed light on why Williams had been experiencing such drastic changes in his behavior, mood, and overall health in the months leading up to his death.

Billy Connolly’s Friendship with Robin Williams

Few people had as close a bond with Williams as Scottish comedian Sir Billy Connolly. The two shared a deep friendship forged over years of mutual respect, humor, and—unfortunately—shared suffering. Connolly himself had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and often spoke with Williams about their struggles with the illness. Their relationship was one of humor and heartfelt moments, with regular phone calls and expressions of love and support.

Reflecting on their friendship, Connolly spoke about how he and Williams frequently discussed their illnesses and what it was like to live with Parkinson’s. “We both had Parkinson’s, and we talked about it often. It was something we could share—our frustrations, our bad days,” Connolly shared.

Robin Williams’ Heartbreaking Final Words to Billy Connolly

Just days before Williams’ death, Connolly received a phone call from his old friend. During this conversation, Williams extended an invitation to dinner, one that Connolly now remembers with profound sadness. What transpired that night would turn out to be their final meeting, a moment etched in Connolly’s memory forever.

During their dinner, Williams told Connolly something that, at the time, seemed odd. “He phoned me and said, ‘Let’s have dinner,’ and during the dinner, he said, ‘I love you.’ I said thanks very much. He said, ‘Do you believe me?’ I said ‘Of course I do.’ He said, ‘Believe me, I love you.’ I said, ‘That’s great,’” Connolly recalled.

At the time, Connolly admitted that he found Williams’ insistence unusual, but he didn’t read too deeply into it. “I thought ‘how weird, how weird for him to say that, it’s not like his usual,’” Connolly said. It wasn’t until days later that Connolly would realize the heartbreaking significance of those words—Williams was dead by the weekend.

The Impact of Robin Williams’ Death on Those Who Knew Him

Williams’ passing left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those closest to him. His death was not only a tremendous loss to the entertainment world but also to his friends, family, and the millions of fans who cherished him. People who worked with Williams often spoke about his incredible kindness and generosity. He made time for everyone, from fellow actors to fans on the street, always willing to share a laugh or a kind word.

For Billy Connolly, losing Williams was akin to losing a brother. Their shared experiences, both in comedy and in their health struggles, created a unique bond that Connolly still cherishes. “You have to give a guy the position that he’s wise enough to make up his own mind,” Connolly said when asked if he wished he could have saved his friend. “I don’t think so,” Connolly admitted, believing that Williams had made his decision.

A Legacy of Laughter and Love

Ten years on from his death, Robin Williams’ legacy remains as powerful as ever. His work continues to bring joy to millions of people, and his influence on comedy and acting is unmatched. Yet behind every laugh he delivered, there was a man fighting a battle few could understand.

Williams’ ability to connect with audiences through his warmth, humor, and authenticity made him one of the most beloved performers of all time. His death reminds us that even the brightest stars can have the darkest struggles. For those closest to him, like Billy Connolly, his final words carry a deep poignancy—one that will never fade.

Conclusion: Remembering Robin Williams 10 Years Later

It’s been a decade since the world lost Robin Williams, but the memory of his talent, generosity, and struggles endures. His final conversation with Billy Connolly provides a glimpse into the deep pain Williams was carrying, a burden he could no longer bear. As we reflect on his life and legacy, we’re reminded of the laughter he brought to the world and the sadness that he faced in his own. Williams’ last words to Connolly—“Believe me, I love you”—serve as a bittersweet reminder of the vulnerability behind the laughter, leaving us with both a smile and a tear.

Rest in peace, Robin Williams.