Late-night host Conan O’Brien breaks news of Robin Williams’ death during show

US talk-show host Conan O’Brien was visibly shaken when he broke the news of comedian Robin Williams’ death to his studio audience.

Taping of the show was coming to an end when Williams’ suicide began making headlines around the world.

“'This is absolutely shocking and horrifying and so upsetting on every level,” Conan said.

“We're at the end of the show and it felt like we just needed to acknowledge this.

“We’re absolutely stunned to get this news.”

“I know that everybody here, we've all worked with Robin over the years.”

In one of his final interviews with Williams, Conan recalled his time as a young Saturday Night Live writer.

“One of my first vivid showbiz memories is that I walk by your dressing room and you have your shirt off - I think you were doing a quick change,” he said.

“This is the hairiest man I have ever seen in my life.”

His guests, comedians Andy Richter and Will Arnett, also appeared shaken by the news with Richter describing it as a “major loss” of an “amazingly kind” man.

Conan closed the show on a solemn note.

“We’re so very sorry to have to report this for anybody who is hearing this for the first time,” he said.

“We're going to end our show now, thank all our guests and goodnight and god bless Robin Williams.”