Not known to many, U.S. Oscar-winning comedian Robin Williams, who died from an apparent suicide on Monday at his Northern California home, was married to a Boholana whose roots can be traced in Ubay, Bohol. According to Wikipedia, “Marsha Garces Williams married Robin Williams on April 30, 1989. They met while she was working as a nanny for his son Zachary. At the time of her employment, she was a painter working as a waitress. They have two children, Zelda Rae (born 1989) and Cody Alan (born 1991). In March 2008, she filed for divorce from Robin Williams citing irreconcilable differences.” Williams grew up in Shorewood, Wisconsin and attended Shorewood High School. Her father, Leon Garces, was a Filipino born in Ubay, Bohol who moved to the United States in 1929. He later served in the United States Navy during World War II. Her mother, Ina Rachel Matilla, was Finnish, Wikipedia further noted.

The Boholana-Finnish-American wife of Williams has been quoted as saying in the wake of the actor's death: "My heart is split wide open and scattered over the planet with all of you. Please remember the gentle, loving, generous - and yes, brilliant and funny - man that was Robin Williams. My arms are wrapped around our children as we attempt to grapple with celebrating the man we love, while dealing with this immeasurable loss." Williams, 63, died in his home at Marin County. The Marin County coroner's office pronounced his death "to be a suicide due to asphyxia." The office also said that a comprehensive investigation will be completed before a final determination is made.

U.S. President Barack Obama offered his condolences to Williams' family and friends. "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," said Obama. A Chicago native, Williams studied theater at Julliard before being a stand-up comedian, which led to his casting as the offbeat alien Mork from Ork on a 1974 episode of "Happy Days." The character was so popular that it led to the spinoff "Mork & Mindy," which co-stars Pam Dawber. His film career earned him four Oscar nominations, including a win for his supporting role opposite Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in "Good Will Hunting." He was nominated as lead actor for his roles in "Good Morning, Vietnam," "Dead Poets Society" and "The Fisher King." Williams most recently starred in the CBS series "The Crazy Ones." Williams' other films included "Patch Adams," "The Birdcage," "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Jumanji," "Hook," "Toys" and "Awakenings." (PNA/Xinhua)