Sarah Michelle Gellar Remembers Co-Star Robin Williams In Touching Tribute

Sarah Michelle Gellar still remembers how everything changed when Robin Williams died.

Gellar had jumped at the chance to star opposite Williams in The Crazy Ones (2013-2014), despite the CBS pilot being filmed mere months after she gave birth to her son Rocky. She later became very protective over Williams, after recognizing his depression on set.

I went back to work right away because I was desperate to work with Robin, recalled Gellar on Mondays episode of Shannen Dohertys Lets Be Clear podcast . I mean, when that opportunity came my way, there was no way to pass it up.

And I was one of the few people that knew while we were doing the show that he was really struggling, that he wasnt well, she added. I soaked up every moment I could with him. I felt like the work was the easy part for me. It was just making sure that he was ok.

Gellar said only a couple people on set recognized this and were very protective of him.

Williams died by suicide on Aug. 11, 2014, after being misdiagnosed with Parkinsons disease. An autopsy later revealed he had Lewy body dementia , which can reportedly affect memory, personality, movement, sleep and mood,  and cause depression.

Gellar reminded Doherty , who previously starred in 111 episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210 and is currently battling stage 4 breast cancer , that filming a TV show is a hard job and that those in the know wanted to protect Williams without spilling his secrets.

When Williams was found dead, however, Gellar recalled her own life changing overnight.

When he passed away, everything stopped for me, she told Doherty. I mean, you were there through this. I just said, What am I doing? My kids are really young, Ive worked my whole life, I dont wanna miss this. I dont wanna be gone while Rocky takes his first step.

Thats what made me take all those years off, was Robin, continued Gellar.

The actor starred in only a few TV show episodes over the next five years, in addition to one film and various voice work. Gellar and her husband Freddie Prinze Jr. share two children: Charlotte, 14; and Rocky, 11.

Williams is survived by his wife Susan and three adult children: Zak , Cody and Zelda .

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org  for mental health support. Additionally, you can find local mental health and crisis resources at dontcallthepolice.com . Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention .