Robin Williams Begins Recovery from Successful Heart Surgery

Robin Williams is recovering nicely after undergoing heart surgery on March 13 at Ohio’s Cleveland Clinic. The surgery was conducted to replace the aortic valve in his heart, repair the mitral valve and correct an irregular heartbeat. The Clinic’s cardiothoracic surgeon, A. Marc Gillinov, noted, "Mr. Williams’ operation went extremely well and we expect a full recovery. His heart is strong and he will have normal heart function in the coming weeks with no limitations on what he’ll be able to do."

Williams was originally told he had to have the surgery after experiencing shortness of breath and after a consultation he postponed several dates of his "Weapons of Self-Destruction" comedy tour to have the surgery. Gillinov noted that Williams appears to be returning to himself quickly. "A couple of hours after surgery, he was entertaining the medical team and making us all laugh." True to form, Williams remained gracious even in recovery, taking time out to publicly thank the hospital staff.

"The professionals at the University of Miami Hospital and ultimately the Cleveland Clinic were all fantastic," he said. "I can't thank them enough for their kindness and dedication while I was in their care. I must also thank all the people who have expressed their love and concern for me. I have been deeply touched by their support." Again true to form, Williams was already writing new comedy based on his surgery, which he noted would yield "some great new material for the tour. I can’t wait to get back on the road. I’m thinking the next leg of the tour will be Weapons of Self-Destruction and Reconstruction."