Zachary Pym Williams has been known to avoid the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, but on Tuesday the oldest son of Robin Williams broke his silence to issue a heartbreaking statement about his late father.
Zak was born to Robin Williams and his first wife, Valerie Velardi, in 1983. After the legendary actor and comedian was found dead on Monday, Zachary Pym Williams stepped into the spotlight briefly to remember his father, who he called his “best friend.”
In an emotional statement, Zak said:
“Yesterday, I lost my father and a best friend and the world got a little grayer. 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.”
Though he did not seek out a Hollywood career as his younger half-sister Zelda did, Zachary Pym Williams still shared a special connection to dad Robin Williams. He accompanied his father to the premiere of the movie Death to Smoochy in 2001, smiling proudly for photographers.
Other family members have already shared their remembrances. Shortly after news of Robin’s death was released, Robin’s third wife, Susan Schneider, issued this release on behalf of the entire family :
“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.”
Zachary’s younger sister Zelda also tweeted a message about her father.
— Zelda Williams (@zeldawilliams) August 12, 2014
Zachary Pym Williams may have actually had the biggest influence on his father’s life . Robin Williams once said the birth of his son was what prompted him for the first time to turn away from drugs and focus on his family.
