Actor Robin Williams has died in a suicide, according to the Marin County Sheriff's office. In a press release, the sheriff's office said they received a 911 call from Williams' home in Tiburon, California, late this morning. He was pronounced dead at 12:02 p.m. in what authorities say was a suicide due to asphyxiation. A full investigation into his death is under way.

An autopsy will be conducted tomorrow, the Marin News reported. The paper noted that Williams, a recovering alcoholic, had recently checked into a rehab facility. "He has been battling severe depression of late," his publicist, Mara Buxbaum, said in a statement to The Wrap. "This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time."

"I lost my husband and my best friend."

The Wrap also published a statement from his wife, Susan Schneider: "This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf of Robin's family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions."

Williams, who was 63, started his career as a stand-up comedian before rising to fame on television's Mork & Mindy. Notable film roles include Good Morning, Vietnam; Dead Poets Society; Hook; Aladdin; Mrs. Doubtfire; and The Birdcage. He won an Academy Award for best supporting actor for his performance in 1997's Good Will Hunting. He also won two Emmys, four Golden Globes, and five Grammys. Williams reprises his role as Theodore Roosevelt in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, which comes out in December.

Important: If you're struggling and need to talk to someone, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Twitter and Facebook quickly lit up with tributes to the actor from friends, fans, and other celebrities.

I can’t believe the news about Robin Williams. He gave so much to so many people. I’m heartbroken. — Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 11, 2014

Heartbroken by the news of Robin Williams' passing. He was an incomparable talent and a great human being. Rest in peace. — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 12, 2014

Robin was as sweet a man as he was funny. If you're sad, please tell someone. — Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) August 11, 2014

Very sad - his live shows were absolute comedic genius - RIP: Robin Williams has died in an apparent suicide http://t.co/uFaRnvtec5 @verge — Tony Fadell (@tfadell) August 11, 2014

RIP to my dear brother and friend Robin Williams. The world will miss the decades of laughter that you gave all of us. — Quincy Jones (@QuincyDJones) August 11, 2014

Through all the sadness we owe it to Robin to remember how funny he was. That matters — Penn Jillette (@pennjillette) August 11, 2014