Robin Williams: Apple Pays Tribute To Actor On Its Website And ITunes Store

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) honored the Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams by publishing a “Remembering Robin Williams” webpage on its official website, with a similar section on iTunes, on Tuesday. The 63-year-old actor was found dead on Monday at his home in Tiburon, California.

The special iTunes section features more than 40 films of Williams, including the classic film “Dead Poets Society.” A speech -- “What will your verse be?” -- made famous in the film by Williams’ character, John Keating, inspired Apples’ recent iPad advertisement. The webpage on Apple.com features a black and white photo of the actor, with the lines: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Robin Williams. He inspired us through his passion, his generosity, and the gift of laughter. He will be greatly missed.”

Authorities confirmed Tuesday that the actor was found with a belt around his neck and wounds on his wrists. “It is a suicide due to asphyxia from hanging,” Lt. Keith Boyd of the Marin County Sheriff’s Office said.

“One of the most beloved and unforgettable performers in the history of show business, Robin Williams brought laughter and inspiration to millions. Throughout a career that spanned five decades, Williams evolved from stand up comedian to international movie star. Among the great masters of improv, he transfixed audiences with a mile-a-minute comic energy,” the tribute on the iTunes Store reads.

Previously, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, Beatles member George Harrison, civil rights activist Rosa Parks and South African anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela have received tributes from Apple on its website.

Apple CEO Tim Cook expressed his grief on the death of the "Mrs. Doubtfire" star on Twitter, while Phil Schiller, the company’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, also mentioned the legendary actor in a tweet.

On "The Tonight Show," Jimmy Fallon paid tribute to the actor on Tuesday by calling Williams "the Muhammad Ali of comedy," and played a short clip from the actor's first-ever appearance on the show in 1981, which was hosted by Johnny Carson at the time.

"O Captain, my captain, you will be missed,” Fallon reportedly said, after the clip was shown.

On “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” the 40-year-old host spoke about how Williams' stand-up comedy had influenced him.

“The saddest part of this was Robin was battling depression,” Meyers said. “If there's anything we can do to honor his memory, I would hope it would be to use this opportunity to educate us more about this terrible affliction.”