Hollywood actor-director Ben Affleck says he’s heartbroken by the death of his Good Will Hunting co-star Robin Williams.

Williams, 63, was found dead of an apparent suicide on Monday at his home outside San Francisco, police said, stunning his worldwide legion of fans and colleagues.

“Heartbroken. Thanks chief – for your friendship and for what you gave the world,” said Affleck on his Facebook and Twitter accounts.

“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,” he added, referring to Matt Damon, another Good Will Hunting star.

“What do you owe a guy who does that? Everything. May you find peace my friend. #RobinWilliams.”

Williams won the best supporting actor Oscar in 1998 for his portrayal of a college professor in Good Will Hunting, directed by Gus Van Sant.

Affleck and Damon also won an Academy Award for its script, which they co-wrote.

The film — with Damon in the title role as a self-taught math wizard — launched the duo’s Hollywood careers.

A park bench in Boston that appears in Good Will Hunting was among many sites associated with Williams’ movies that fans turned into shrines to the beloved thespian.

* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.