Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams was found dead on Monday from a suspected suicide at his home in Northern California.

An investigation into the cause of the death of the 63-year-old actor is underway, but “the Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division suspects the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia“, international media outlets reported.

"He has been battling severe depression of late," his media representative Mara Buxbaum told CNN. "This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time."

President Barack Obama's statement sent from the White House described Robin Williams as “one of a kind”.

"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.  He made us laugh.  He made us cry.  He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most - from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets."

His film career included such acclaimed films as Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), Dead Poets Society (1989), and Good Will Hunting (1997), as well as financial successes such as Hook (1991), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Jumanji (1995), Night at the Museum (2006), and Happy Feet (2006).

Williams, a four-time Oscar nominee, won a supporting actor Oscar for Good Will Hunting. He also received two Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, five Grammy Awards, among others.