Robin Williams will undergo heart surgery, according to his publicist.
The 57-year-old comedian postponed his one-man show tour and entered a hospital for testing earlier this week after suffering a shortness of breath. Williams will undergo an aortic valve replacement, the publicist said. “I’m so touched by everyone’s support and well wishes,” said Williams in a statement. “This tour has been amazing fun and I can’t wait to get back out on the road after a little tune-up.” The publicist would not say when or where the surgery will take place. Williams was in the middle of an 80-city tour of his “Weapons of Self-Destruction” show, which is expected to resume in the fall, the publicist said. His Web site says the shows “highlight Williams’ trademark free associations and riffs on social and political absurdities.” This isn’t the first time Williams has coped with health problems. In August 2006, the comedian and actor checked himself into an alcohol rehab center. “After 20 years of sobriety, Robin Williams found himself drinking again and has decided to take proactive measures to deal with this for his own well-being and the well-being of his family,” his publicist told CNN at the time.
