Robin Williams to Undergo Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery

Thu, 05 March 2009 23:58:48 ET

Robin Williams to Undergo Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery
© Faye Sadou/AdMedia/Newscom

Robin Williams is to endure a surgery for aortic valve replacement, as being confirmed by Williams' reps on Thursday, February 5. "Williams was experiencing shortness of breath and is currently being evaluated by doctors who are recommending a week of rest," the reps said.

Previously, it was reported that the "Happy Days" actor was rushed to a South Florida hospital earlier this week after suffering a shortness of breath. Williams has postponed the remainder of his one-man show, "Weapons of Self-Destruction", which was on an 80-city tour that started in September 2008 and ended in Broadway this spring. The tour is rescheduled in the fall due to Williams' sickness.

"I'm so touched by everyone's support and well wishes," Williams said in a statement. "This tour has been amazing fun and I can't wait to get back out on the road after a little tune-up."

This week, Robin Williams was actually scheduled to perform on Wednesday and Thursday nights at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. He also has to perform at the University of Central Florida Arena in Orlando on Friday and at Tampa's Sundome on Saturday. "Robin's rep called us the night before he was scheduled to perform at Hard Rock," Ryan Rogers, spokesman for the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, told People. "The call came Tuesday night, during our Motley Crue concert. The rep said Robin needed rest and didn't feel well."