Vatican City, Aug 12, 2014 / 12:18 pm (CNA).- L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, published a brief Aug. 12 article on the death of Robin Williams, calling the comedian and actor an “unforgettable clown with a heart of gold.”

The beloved actor was found dead Aug. 11 in his northern California home. According to the local coroner's office, the probable cause of death was suicide by asphyxiation. Williams had recently been battling “severe depression,” according to his publicist.

“Born in Chicago July 21, 1951 and raised in Michigan, he graduated from the Juilliard School in New York,” L'Osservatore Romano noted, pointing to how “Williams came to popularity in the late seventies interpreting the hyperactive alien Mork in the TV series Mork & Mindy.”

The publication recalled Williams’ numerous memorable roles – in both comedy and drama – including “Good Morning, Vietnam” (1987), “Dead Poets Society” (1989), “Hook” (1991) and “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993).

It also noted the Academy Award that he won in 1998 for Best Supporting Actor in “Good Will Hunting.”