Robin Williams to undergo heart surgery

Los Angeles, March 06: Actor Robin Williams will undergo heart surgery for an aortic valve replacement, forcing him to cut short his stand-up comedy tour, his representative said on Thursday.

Williams, 57, was in the middle of his 80-city, one-man "Weapons of Self-Destruction" tour in Florida this week when he complained of shortness of breath. His representative did not disclose where or when his surgery would occur.

"I`m so touched by everyone`s support and well wishes," Williams was quoted as saying 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."

Williams won an Oscar for his supporting role as a psychologist in the 1997 drama "Good Will Hunting." He is best known for a manic comedy routine steeped in wacky accents and improvisation. He spent two months in rehab in 2006 to combat a drinking problem.

The actor`s older brother, Robert Todd Williams, died in 2007 of complications from heart surgery.