Robin Williams battled his demons

Robin Williams, pictured in 2013. Photo / Frank Micelotta/Invision/AP

Robin Williams' death today followed a troubled past with cocaine and alcohol, and in July this year he checked into rehab again. The 62-year-old actor was seeking treatment at Hazelden Addiction Treatment Center in Minnesota to help him maintain his long-term sobriety.

His representative told TMZ.com: "After working back-to-back projects, Robin is simply taking the opportunity to fine-tune and focus on his continued commitment, of which he remains extremely proud."

In 2006, the comedian checked himself into a substance abuse rehabilitation centre in Oregon after admitting he was an alcoholic following two decades without booze.

His publicist said at the time: "After 20 years of sobriety, Robin Williams found himself drinking again and has decided to take proactive measures to deal with this for his own well-being and the well-being of his family."

The Mrs Doubtfire star also battled with cocaine addiction in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but quit the drug following the death of his close friend John Belushi in 1982 and the birth of his son Zachary in 1983.

Williams previously admitted he once thought he could handle his substance abuse on his own, but realised he would only kick his addiction with professional help.

Williams as disc-jockey Adrian Cronauer in "Good Morning Vietnam". Photo / AP

He said: "You can't [deal with it on your own]. That's the bottom line. You really think you can, then you realise, I need help, and that's the word ... It's hard admitting it, then once you've done that, it's real easy."

He had been busy working on the upcoming movie Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, which was expected to hit screens later this year.

Representatives said Williams was battling severe depression, Sky News reported today.

Williams married graphic designer Susan Schneider in 2011. She was his third wife.

His first marriage was to Valerie Velardi and they had a son, but the marriage fell apart after he had a public spat with a cocktail waitress over what she said was an affair.

A year later, in 1989, he married Marsha Garces and they had two children, but divorced in 2008.

Robin and Marsha Garces Williams in 2007. Photo / AFP

Robin Williams was born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois. His father was a senior executive at Ford and his mother was a former model.

After honing his comedic style at the prestigious Juilliard performing arts school in New York he starred in the hit TV comedy Mork and Mindy. That was followed by movies including Popeye, Good Morning Vietnam, Mrs Doubtfire and Hook, and a career in stand-up comedy including his one-man show.

Where to get help

• Lifeline: 0800 543 534

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865

• Youth services: (06) 3555 906

• Youthline: 0800 376 633

• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (4pm to 6pm weekdays)

• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)

• The Word

• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (24-hour service)

• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155

• CASPER Suicide Prevention

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

- Bang! Showbiz