Tributes flow on Twitter for Robin Williams

Tributes are flowing for Robin Williams after the comedian was found dead at the age of 63.

Marin County Sheriff's Office said Williams, 63, was found unconscious about midday Monday inside his home.

His publicist released a statement that said: "Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time."

Read the full report here.

Celebrity colleagues and admirers quickly shared their reactions to the death of the Mork and Mindy, Mrs Doubtfire and Dead Poets Society star.

"Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien - but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit," said US President Barack Obama.

"Robin was a lightning storm of comic genius and our laughter was the thunder that sustained him. He was a pal and I can't believe he's gone," wrote Steven Spielberg.

"I saw him on stage the very first time he auditioned at the Improv and we have been friends ever since. It's a very sad day," said Jay Leno.

"We have lost one of our most inspired and gifted comic minds, as well as one of this generation's greatest actors. To watch Robin work, was a magical and special privilege. His performances were unlike anything any of us had ever seen, they came from some spiritual and otherworldly place. He truly was one of the few people who deserved the title of 'genius'," said Chris Columbus.

John Travolta: "I've never known a sweeter, brighter, more considerate person than Robin. Robin's commitment as an artist to lifting our mood and making us happy is compared to none. He loved us all and we loved him back."

Fans and celebrities also flooded Twitter with tributes to the film and TV star:

I could not be more stunned by the loss of Robin Williams, mensch, great talent, acting partner, genuine soul.

Robin Williams made the world a little bit better. RIP.

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world." - Robin Williams

Good Morning Vietnam - one of my favourite movies of all time. Thank you Robin Williams, you are a legend #RIP #sosad

The entire Osbourne Family is grieving the loss of a kind, funny, generous and talented man, Robin Williams.

A beautiful shot of Robin Williams on arrival in Auckland - Dec 22, 1999 @nzherald pic.twitter.com/WajOVcjir7

No words can express the sadness I feel for this tragic loss. My prayers are with the Williams family. RIP Robin Williams. -ZS

Mork from Ork: Rare evidence that aliens can be smart, clever, articulate & funny. Robin Williams, RIP

Watched Dead Poets Society yesterday. Welled up. Thought how great the film is & Robin Williams is in it. His genius will keep shining. RIP

Ah Robin, I'm so sorry the earth couldn't stay worthy of you. Hope happiness awaits you.

If you think I am okay right now, you would be mistaken. A part of my childhood has died.

RIP Robin Williams. Truly a legend.

Can not believe this news. Robin Williams was such an immense talent, comedic & dramatic. We lost a legend today. Just shocked.

RIP Robin Williams, you always made me laugh, you always seemed so kind and genuine

Nooooooo, please make this sadness stop...Robin Williams #RIP

Sad to see you go amigo ?? @robinwilliams.

Very sad to hear about Robin Williams. Depression is no simple thing to manage.

Omg Robin Williams god bless you. RIP my comedy hero. Im so sad right now i cant believe it.

I met this sweet, generous & brilliant man Robin Williams in 1991. Here we are with HIS idol Jonathan Winters. #RIP pic.twitter.com/ZI4QV5QyuL