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Michael J. Fox 'stunned' to learn Robin Williams had Parkinson's

Actor Michael J. Fox, who has battled Parkinson's disease since the early 1990s, said on Twitter Thursday that he was "stunned" to learn that Robin Williams was struggling with the early stages of the illness.Fox was reacting to a statement from Williams' wife, Susan Schneider, in which she wrote, "Robin's sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anx
Image: Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox called Robin Williams \"a true friend.\"Theo Wargo / Today

Actor Michael J. Fox, who has battled Parkinson's disease since the early 1990s, said on Twitter Thursday that he was "stunned" to learn that Robin Williams was struggling with the early stages of the illness.

Stunned+to+learn+Robin+had+PD.+Pretty+sure+his+support+for+our+Fdn+predated+his+diagnosis.+A+true+friend;+I+wish+him+peace.

—+Michael+J.+Fox+(@realmikefox)+August+14,+2014+

Fox was reacting to a statement from Williams' wife, Susan Schneider, in which she wrote, "Robin's sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson's Disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly."

Fox, like many fans and fellow stars, had shared his appreciation for Williams in an earlier Twitter post after the comic actor was found to have committed suicide on Monday at age 63.

Famously+kind,+ferociously+funny,+a+genius+and+a+gentle+soul.+What+a+loss.+#RobinWilliams

—+Michael+J.+Fox+(@realmikefox)+August+12,+2014+

Fox, 53, rose to fame on the 1980s television series "Family Ties" and in films such as "Back to the Future" and "Teen Wolf." He was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease in 1991 and did not disclose his condition for seven years, according to his foundation website. Since then, Fox has been a strong advocate for research aimed at finding a cure.

Robin Williams, 1951-2014

Slideshow  14 photos

Robin Williams, 1951-2014

"Na-nu Na-nu" and "O Captain, my Captain": Robin Williams will best be remembered by the characters he played and lines he delivered.

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