The passing and apparent suicide of Robin Williams has again brought the relationship comedians often have with depression to the forefront.

The passing and apparent suicide of Robin Williams has again brought the relationship comedians often have with depression to the forefront.

After news of his death was announced, Williams’ publicist said that the performer had long been battling the disorder.

It’s often said that great comedy comes from a place of pain, and the list of talented comedians who have either self-medicated to excess or taken their own lives is sadly long.

John Belushi, Chris Farley, and Richard Pryor are among the famous and talented individuals who treated themselves with drugs and alcohol to the point of self-destruction.

Depression is not, of course, limited to top-billing celebrities.

Jamie Masada, the owner of the Laugh Factory located on the Sunset Strip, had seen so many people battling demons cross his stage that he established a counseling program.

Said Masada, “Comics are doctors of the soul who help everybody relax, calm down, and take people away for a few hours, but often nobody is there for them.”