Christopher Reeve 'Wanted To Die' Until Robin Williams Lifted His Spirits — A Look At Their Extraordinary Friendship

Robin Williams and Christopher Reeve enjoyed an extraordinary friendship together, and it was Williams who lifted Reeve's spirits after a devastating accident in which he was thrown from a horse left him paralyzed.

Now, RadarOnline.com is taking a look at the special bond these two men shared.

In 1995 as Reeve lay in the University of Virginia Medical Center facing life or death, it was Williams who entered his room and pretended to perform a rectal exam on his friend, making him laugh and letting him know everything would be okay.

Reeve was quoted later as telling Barbara Walters that he "wanted to die" — until Williams' visit.

"I lay on my back, frozen, unable to avoid thinking the darkest thoughts," Reeve wrote in his 1996 autobiography, Still Me.

"For the first time since the accident, I laughed. My old friend had helped me know that somehow I was going to be okay."

Williams and Reeve had been roommates at the Juilliard School in New York City more than 20 years prior and remained close throughout both of their careers.

Reeve once recalled watching Williams "in awe as he virtually caromed off the walls of the classroom and hallways."

Reeve passed away in 2004 after going into cardiac arrest following antibiotic treatment for an infection.

During a Reddit AMA in 2013, Williams spoke about his longtime friend.

"Him being such a great friend to me at Juilliard, literally feeding me because I don't think I literally had money for food or my student loan hadn't come in yet, and he would share his food with me," he said.

"And then later after the accident, just seeing him beaming and just, seeing what he meant to so many people."

The two greats were so close that Reeve's widow, Dana, even described the two as being "closer than brothers."

"The world has lost a tremendous activist and artist, and an inspiration for people worldwide. I have lost a great friend," Williams said after Reeve died.

Williams went on to support and advocate the Reeve Foundation which posted a tribute to the Dead Poets Society actor on their website after he was found on Aug. 11 in his Tiburon, Calif. home having hanged himself with a belt.

"While the world knew Robin Williams as an Oscar-winning actor, we knew a different side to the man whose smile was as big as his heart. While our hearts ache with the loss of our friend, it is unlikely Robin would want us to mourn his passing with silence, but to celebrate his life through laughter," the site wrote.

"Together, let's remember Robin for the man who made the world laugh."

If anyone you know, is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please immediately seek help. You can speak with a skilled, trained counselor at a national Suicide Prevention Lifeline crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7 — call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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