Matt Damon has paid tribute to Robin Williams following the news the actor took his own life, claiming he brought ''so much joy'' to him after working with him on 'Good Will Hunting'.

The 43-year-old actor has spoken out about his relationship with his 'Good Will Hunting' co-star following the news that he took his own life at his home in California on Monday (11.08.14) after suffering from depression.

Matt said in a statement: ''Robin brought so much joy into my life and I will carry that joy with me forever. He was such a beautiful man. I was lucky to know him and I will never, ever forget him.'' Robin - who died from asphyxiation due to hanging - had struggled with alcohol addiction for decades and is said to have attended an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting the day before his death.

He's said to have suffered with depression and money troubles following his divorces from former wives Valerie Velardi and Marsha Garces, and Matt has also requested that Robin's widower Susan Schneider and his children Zak, Zelda and Cody be given the space they need to come to terms with their loss. He added: ''I truly hope the people in the media can find it within themselves to give his family some privacy during this horrible time.''

Meanwhile, Ben Affleck - who also starred in 'Good Will Hunting' - has also paid tribute to the 'Mrs. Doubtfire' star. In a statement on his Facebook page, he wrote: ''Heartbroken. Thanks chief - for your friendship and for what you gave the world. Robin had a ton of love in him.

He personally did so much for so many people. He made Matt and my dreams come true. What do you owe a guy who does that? Everything. May you find peace my friend. #RobinWilliams (sic).''