Sarah Michelle Gellar says Robin Williams was the "father she dreamed of having".
The 37-year-old actress - who has children Charlotte, four, and Rocky, 22 months with husband Freddie Prinze Jr. - has paid an emotional tribute to her 'The Crazy Ones' co-star, who was found dead in an apparent suicide yesterday (11.08.14).
She told People: "My life is a better place because I knew Robin Williams. To my children he was Uncle Robin, to everyone he worked with, he was the best boss anyone had ever known, and to me he was not just an inspiration but he was the father I had always dreamed of having.
"There are not enough adjectives to describe the light he was, to anyone that ever had the pleasure to meet him. I will miss him everyday, but I know the memory of him will live on. And to his family, I thank them for letting us know him and seeing the joy they brought him. Us crazy ones love you."
Several crew members who worked with the actor on the CBS show - which was cancelled in May after just one season - have praised how kind he was to everyone on the programme.
One source said: "He was so benevolent. He would appreciate everyone else's work. He was the first one to say how incredible Sarah and [costar] Jimmy Wolk were. He had affection for everyone. He made sure everyone knew he was part of a team. Who does that? When you're Robin you don't have to do that."
And the programme's creator, David E. Kelley, has paid tribute to the actor's "kindness and humanity", as well as his "legendary" talent.
He said in a statement: "The talent was legendary. But equally inspiring, perhaps more so, was his kindness and humanity. A gentle soul who touched us all. A very special man, and our hearts are broken."

Emma Stone is in talks to make her Broadway debut.
The 'Amazing Spider-Man' actress is in negotiations to star opposite Alan Cumming in 'Cabaret' on the New York stage, and would take the lead role of Sally Bowles.
A production spokesperson told Broadway.com: "[Emma is] in negotiations to make her Broadway debut as Sally Bowles in Cabaret on Broadway."
If she lands the role, the 'Easy A' actress will take over from Michelle Williams when the 'My Week With Marilyn' star's stint comes to an end in November.
The 25-year-old actress was previously in discussions for the production in April 2013, but was unable to accept the part because of her movie commitments.
The musical is currently scheduled to run until January 2015.
Emma has previously admitted working in improvised theatre as a child helped her overcome crippling anxiety.
She has said: "The reason I went into my job is because it gives you an outlet for all these emotions. My first-grade teacher put me in my first play because I had the jazz hands in me. A year later, I had my first panic attack. I mean, I had really, really bad anxiety as a kid, and improv (improvisation) was kind of my saviour."

Julia Roberts isn't "ambitious".
The 'Pretty Woman' actress - who has twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, nine, and son Henry, seven, with husband Danny Moder - insists she has never harboured a grudge against anyone who landed roles she wanted, even when she was struggling for her career to take off.
She said: "I always feel like there is room for everybody. I don't consider myself really all that ambitious. When I didn't get a part - even when I was younger and needing to pay my rent - I would think, 'Oh, someone else got it. She's going to be so good.' I never felt sour grapes."
After starring in 'Pretty Woman' with Richard Gere, Julia, 46, struggled to match the success of the movie with her subsequent projects and went on to turn down a role that went on to do just as well as her breakout film - a part in 'Sleepless in Seattle' which went to Meg Ryan.
Despite missing out, the actress doesn't think she would have made the role her own in the way that Meg did.
She told America's InStyle magazine: "I'd been offered 'Sleepless in Seattle' but couldn't do it.
"[Meg Ryan] and Tom Hanks are just such a jewel of a fit in that. I guess what they did for that moment in time is sort of what Richard and I were doing across town [in 'Pretty Woman'], you know?"

Beyoncé and Jay Z are set to perform at Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's wedding.
The couple - who recently wrapped their US 'On The Run' tour - are said to have been pencilled in to play at the nuptials of Brad, 50, and Angelina, 39, as their kids Maddox, 13, Pax, 10, Zahara, nine, Shiloh, eight, and five-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox are huge fans of the duo.
A source told The Daily Star newspaper: "Brad told Bey and Jay, that their kids, especially Maddox - adore them.
"He told them it would make their big day extra special to have them both do a number."
While Beyonce, 32, and Jay Z, 44, have said they will try their best to make time to perform at the ceremony they haven't made any promises to appear due to their "hectic schedules".
The source explained: "They were flattered and said they'd do their best to fit it into their hectic schedule, depending on the date."
Meanwhile, the couple - who have been married for six years and have a two-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy, together - have recently sought solace at their close friend Gwyneth Paltrow's Los Angeles mansion to escape constant speculation about the state of their marriage.
According to reports, the couple are enjoying the privacy that the Brentwood property offers and plan to stay there before flying to France for their final gigs on September 12 and 13.

Paul Daniels and his wife Debbie McGee are set to appear on 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
The couple have agreed to join the celebrities in the house after last-minute talks with the show's bosses, and the 76-year-old magician is hoping to impress his fellow housemates with his fine array of tricks.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "They're very excited to be going in together - they'd never have considered doing it separately.
"Paul and Debbie are perfect for 'Big Brother'. They're great fun, big personalities and don't take themselves too seriously.
"Paul's hoping to show off his magic skills in the tasks and win some younger fans."
Paul and Debbie, 55 - who have been married for 26 years - have appeared on reality television shows in the past.
The couple starred on 'The X Factor: Battle of the Stars', Channel 5's 'The Farm' and 'Wife Swap'.
The veteran magician also appeared on popular BBC One show, 'Strictly Come Dancing' in 2010.
Other stars who are rumoured to have signed up for 'Celebrity Big Brother' - which starts again next Monday (18.08.14) - include actor Gary Busey, Gogglebox's George Gilbey and Made In Chelsea's Stephanie Pratt.

'Broadchurch' creator Chris Chibnall has revealed a spoiler for the show's second series.
The TV writer and producer - who, until now, has always kept the secrets of the programme under wraps - asked author Erin Kelly to put in a secret about series two in the novel adaptation of the ITV drama show which he commissioned.
Erin said: "About three days before we went to press, Chris put in one tiny little clue about something that happens in series two.
"He asked me to add it in, literally just as we had the proof all laid out ready to go to press.
"It's something only the die-hards will pick up on but there's one line quite early on in the book that won't make sense to anybody. It's something very playful that he did right at the last minute."
Erin also admitted she is looking forward to seeing if anyone notices the spoiler in her book.
She added to Radio Times magazine: "It doesn't give anything away but I'm sure it'll get people talking. I'm going to be checking out the chatrooms to see if people have picked up on it."
The BAFTA award-winning show - which stars David Tennant and Olivia Colman as DI Alec Hardy and DS Ellie Miller - is expected to return to our screens in 2015.

'Good Morning Britain' presenter Charlotte Hawkins is pregnant.
The 39-year-old star revealed she is expecting her first child on the TV breakfast show this morning (12.08.14) shortly after discussing a news story about a woman whose waist grew to 139cm during her first pregnancy.
She said: "I'm pregnant, I'm happy to announce, expecting a baby and that kind of story fills me with dread!
"I'm hoping I won't reach that record."
Charlotte's co-star Susanna Reid - who has three children - joked: "Who would have thought that working on Good Morning Britain could be so productive!"
Charlotte - who has been married to husband Mark Herbert since 2008 - admitted later on the show that she will be leaning on her fellow presenters Susanna, Ben Shephard, who has two sons, and Sean Fletcher, who has a son and a daughter, for advice.
She said: "My husband Mark and I are absolutely thrilled to be expecting our first child. I've been looking forward to sharing the news with everyone, and can't wait to be a mother for the first time.
"Luckily I have my fellow 'Good Morning Britain' presenters on hand who've already been through it, so I'll be relying on them for expert advice!"
Several stars took to Twitter to congratulate the blonde beauty on her news.
Carol Vorderman wrote: "Huge congratulations to the very lovely @CharlotteHawkns Having first baby... Enjoy the peace while you can! Sending love and earplugs x (sic)"
'This Morning' presenter Eamonn Holmes tweeted: "Get you , you've been busy ...... hope you have that extension finished in time ! Much love and congrats x (sic)"

Tamzin Outhwaite is concerned by how many actresses are obsessed with their weight.
The 'New Tricks' star has stopped worrying about what she eats and is much happier now but she is alarmed that lots of her peers seem to live by the mantra "eating is cheating".
In an interview with Radio Times magazine, she said: "I know actors who actually say 'eating is cheating' and it worries me. I don't understand why you need to be skinny to play any character, unless it specifically says in the script that she's a model or dying of consumption. And I'm too old to play a model. So I've stopped worrying about it, which makes me feel much freer.
"It's weird that we're living in an age where most women - especially those in the public eye - are on a continuous diet."
The former 'EastEnders' star, 43, is concerned with the effect society's preoccupation with beauty and weight could have on her two young daughters, Florence and Marnie, her children with estranged husband Tom Ellis.
Tamzin even believes the message spread by the Disney Princess phenomenon - which includes characters such as Ariel, Cinderella and Rapunzel - is re-enforcing negative stereotypes for girls.
She said: "Look at all those Disney princesses with their big heads and tiny waists, all waiting to be rescued from their lives by men. That's not the kind of role model I want for my girls."
Tamzin - who plays DCI Sacha Miller alongside Dennis Waterman and Nicholas Lyndhurst in BBC One show 'New Tricks' - insists she could have never been totally reliant on a man because she is too independent.
She explained: "I could never have been a full-time, stay-at-home mum, reliant on a man. I love hanging out with the kids and I love my job. And I'm hugely fortunate that I don't have to choose between the two."

Britain's Princess Diana knew the "power" of good hair and make-up.
The late royal - who died in a Paris car crash in 1997 - always won praise for her appearance and her former make-up artist, Mary Greenwell, thinks other women could learn from the princess' willingness to experiment.
She told Stylist magazine: "Diana was always very open and willing with her style. I think as soon as we worked together she realised the power of hair and make-up and that is something that should never be underestimated. By anyone.
"It's all about experimenting. We should try new things. Whatever our age."
Mary went on to praise Diana's "most incredible" skin, and says the princess always took care of her face and made sure she took all her make-up off at the end of the day.
She added: "After I started working with her, Diana did everything in moderation. She cut back on drinking so her skin was 100 per cent."
The beauty expert first worked with the princess - who had sons Princes William and Harry with ex-husband Prince Charles - on a Vogue magazine shoot in 1991 and found her to be "divine".
She said: "She was just coming into her own when we first met and had just married Prince Charles.
"Her marriage seemed solid and she was just the most divine, sweet kind lady. It was a huge privilege to work with our then-future queen."

Jackie Chan says the death of Robin Williams is like losing his "best friend".
Chan never got the opportunity to work with Williams, but was a huge fan of the 'Good Will Hunting' star and is saddened by the news of his passing.
He told 'Good Morning Britain': "I didn't work with him. I met him for the first time at the Oscars a long time ago. I was standing in the green room and at that time my English was not very good.
"I see so many people in front of me and suddenly [I hear], 'Jackie Chan! [I'm a] big fan!' I didn't respond because it was Robin Williams. [I said], 'I'm a big fan, great to see you.' And then he was gone."
Although Chan's encounter with Williams was only fleeting, he admits that the death - which is believed to be caused by suicide via asphyxiation - has affected him.
He added: "I don't really know him, but I think today I've lost my best friend."
This sentiment has been echoed by Steven Spielberg, who collaborated with him on 'Hook' and was also a long-time friend of the star.
He said: "Robin was a lightning storm of comic genius and our laughter was the thunder that sustained him. He was a pal and I can't believe he's gone."

Bradley Cooper's new movie 'Adam Jones' is causing chaos in London's Leicester Square.
Workers in the area are finding the filming to be a massive inconvenience, causing them to be late for work and leading to flared tempers.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "People who go to work in the area have been complaining about producers telling them they can't walk in certain places as they keep reshooting scenes of Bradley in the street.
"It's making people late for work and tempers have been lost. At first it was just exciting to have Bradley in the area. Now it's just a hassle."
Cooper, 39, was spotted enjoying a date with his girlfriend Suki Waterhouse, 22, at Chiltern Firehouse in London on Saturday [09.08.14].
The model wore a stylish black dress and a denim jacket, which she teamed with some beige ankle boots.
Bradley, meanwhile, wore some loose-fitted trousers, a grey T-shirt and a baseball cap to the increasingly-popular celebrity haunt.
The couple have been dating since March 2013 and Cooper appears keen to make the most of his time in the capital.

'The X Factor' audience booed some of the acts put through to judges' houses.
The crowd watching the boot camp stage of the auditions - where the panel selects the final six from their category they are taking through to the next stage - grew angry and frustrated when Louis Walsh and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini swapped out talented singers for novelty acts.
Show compere and warm-up man Ian Royce was forced to intervene and warn the crowd about their "vile" behaviour, telling them to "give a chance" to hopefuls after one girl was booed before she even finished performing.
And when Louis gave comedy duo Blonde Electric a place on his Groups shortlist, he was forced to intervene again.
He said: "This act don't deserve that booing, this is there opportunity so you give them the same respect you've given every other act tonight. This is their big moment make sure you give it to them!"
Some audience members speculated the inclusion of the novelty acts were a fix after Louis swapped Blonde Electric back in after speaking to producers, and Cheryl did the same with one of her contestants in the Girls category.
A crowd member said: "When Cheryl got rid of the girl, producers could be seen shaking their heads at the decision and ran up to her. Later she was brought back. As soon as Cheryl announced the girl was out, the booing started."
However, a show source insisted the two judges were discussing their desire to swap acts.
The source told The Sun newspaper: "The judges can change their minds as much as they want.
"Producers talk to the judges all the time but it doesn't mean they are telling them what to do. They are simply there to advise them. The judges don't wear earpieces so producers talk to them at the desk throughout filming.
"In this instance the judges spoke to the production team about the fact that they wanted to change their minds."
A spokesperson for the programme denied any suggestion of a fix.
They said: "As part of the Six-Chair Challenge judges have to decide who goes through to the judges' houses.
"Until all the acts in their category have sung and the judge has declared that they have chosen their final six, each judge is able to change their minds and bring back anyone they have removed from a seat at any stage."