Robin Williams' Son Zak Williams Says Family Is ''Acclimating to the New Normal'' After Father's Death

Actor was found dead at his home over the summer

By Lily Harrison Nov 21, 2014 6:48 PMTags
Zak WilliamsIlya S. Savenok/Getty Images

At last night's Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation fundraising gala, Robin Williams' son Zak Williams opened up for the first time about losing his father and how the family has been coping.

"We're doing OK. We're acclimating to the new normal. Everything is step by step," he shared. "Personally, my wife and I are focusing on doing a lot of good. She runs the San Francisco office of Human Rights Watch, and we're working with them to do good in the world."

Zak also spoke about his father's close bond with Reeve, saying, "They had a tremendous love for one another. The amazing thing about their relationship was their incredible drive to take the time to love, to help, and to appreciate others, even while they found themselves in great pain."

He added, "They always found time to give their all to those in need. Bringing light and healing where there's darkness, pain, or suffering is absolutely vital."

Just one day after the beloved actor passed away on Aug. 11, Zak, along with his brother and sister, released a statement expressing his shock, grief, and heartbreak.

"Yesterday, I lost my father and a best friend and the world got a little grayer," Zak said. "I will carry his heart with me every day. I would ask those that loved him to remember him by being as gentle, kind, and generous as he would be. Seek to bring joy to the world as he sought."

Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic

Zak's sister Zelda Williams echoed his sentiments and shared, "Dad was, is and always will be one of the kindest, most generous, gentlest souls I've ever known, and while there are few things I know for certain right now, one of them is that not just my world, but the entire world is forever a little darker, less colorful and less full of laughter in his absence. We'll just have to work twice as hard to fill it back up again."

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).