Robin Williams Remembered By On-Screen Daughter, Sarah Michelle Gellar, On What Would Have Been His 64th Birthday

Robin Williams’ fans and colleagues remembered him on Tuesday (21st July), on what would have been his 64th birthday. It’s been almost a year since Williams passed away but his fans remain loyal to his memory. They have been sharing pictures and quotes of the legendary actor and comedian on what would have been his 64th birthday. Amongst those who chose to remember Williams on what should have been a happy day were people he worked with during his prolific career, including actress Sarah Michelle Gellar.

From L-R: Amanda Setton, James Wolk, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Robin Williams at the 2013 CW, CBS and Showtime Summer TCA Party.

38-year-old Gellar paid homage to Williams in a touching Instagram post. The Buffy the Vampire Slayer actress played Williams’ daughter in The Crazy Ones, a CBS comedy series that ran for one season in 2014.

Gellar posted a black and white picture of herself and Williams, laughing and hugging.

‘Smile, though your heart is aching. Smile, even though it's breaking,’ Gellar captioned the image, adding "Happy Birthday RW."

Whilst Gellar was comfortable sharing her sentiments with her fans, others chose to contemplate quietly. Amongst these people was Williams’ daughter, actress Zelda Williams, who announced she would be taking a break from social media over the next few weeks.

Zelda explained, in an Instagram caption, how she wants to be away from other people’s “opinions and sentiments” as she and her family remember Williams on his birthday and on the anniversary of his death, on August 11th.

‘It's a time better served away from the opinions or sentiments of others, and I appreciate your understanding,’ Williams explained.

She also asked for respect, not just for her family but for social media users who wanted to share their thoughts on Williams over the next few weeks.

‘In my absence, I understand there will be those who wish to leave messages regarding Dad on my board, but please attempt to be respectful and kind to one another in the process, both because I will not be here to delete or mediate trolling, and because kindness is in short supply these days anyhow,’ Zelda added.

Williams passed away in August 2014, committing suicide at his home in California. The Good Morning Vietnam actor and comedian suffered from severe depression, Parkinson’s disease and, although undiagnosed at the time of his death, Lewy Body Dementia.