Ray Arrucci, an actor, and Carol Arrucci, a music teacher, who run the Cortlandt School of Performing Arts and live in Ossining, both said they were sad to hear about the death of the actor and comedian, who committed suicide Monday.
"It was a total shock," Ray said. "He seemed to be a happy soul. It shows how depression is very deep and easy to hide."
Ray and Carol both said they were shocked when they heard the news and hoped it was a hoax.
"I am surprised he couldn't be saved by his friends," Carol said. "Friends are so important."
Ray said it took Williams' death for people to see depression and mental illness as a real issue.
"I had a friend do the same thing in May," Ray said. "Nobody talked about it. It's a huge problem."
Carol said Williams was a versatile actor and she loved his movies, such as "The World According to Garp."
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