Robin Williams

Who Was Robin Williams?

Robin Williams was an iconic actor and comedian renowned for his dynamic performances in films such as Good Will Hunting, for which he received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, Dead Poets Society, and Good Morning, Vietnam. His career began to flourish with the television series Mork & Mindy, where his unique blend of humor and improvisation captivated audiences. Williams seamlessly transitioned into leading roles, showcasing his remarkable range in both comedic and dramatic contexts. Recognized for his improvisational genius, he also starred in numerous stand-up comedy specials, earning acclaim as one of the greatest humorists of his time. Tragically, Williams passed away in August 2014 at the age of 64.

Early Life and Education

Robin McLaurin Williams was born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the sole child of Robert Fitzgerald Williams, a senior executive at Ford Motor Company, and Laurie McLaurin, a model and actress.

In his youth, Williams was introverted and often faced challenges in forming friendships. Although he came from a wealthy family, his parents were frequently occupied with work, leaving him to spend much of his time with household staff. Experiencing bullying at school, he turned to comedy—a skill nurtured by his mother’s sharp wit—as a means of coping. The family relocated to San Francisco in 1967, where Williams attended Redwood High School. His involvement in the drama club helped him gain popularity and confidence.

Williams pursued higher education at Claremont Men’s College and the College of Marin before ultimately enrolling at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. There, he forged a close friendship with fellow actor Christopher Reeve, and together, they navigated the challenges of early careers in acting. Following his time at Juilliard, Williams honed his comedic talent in San Francisco and Los Angeles, where he developed a successful stand-up routine that would propel him to stardom.

Commercial Breakthrough

Robin Williams initially gained recognition through his performances on television programs such as The Richard Pryor Show, Laugh-In, and Eight Is Enough. However, it was his portrayal of the lovable alien Mork that catapulted him to fame in America. The character made his debut on the popular series Happy Days before transitioning to his own show, Mork & Mindy, where he starred alongside Pam Dawber. The zany and endearing sitcom premiered in 1978 and enjoyed a successful run for four seasons.

Williams’ film career took off after his participation in the 1977 comedy Can I Do It ’Till I Need Glasses? He landed his first leading role on the big screen as the iconic cartoon character Popeye in Popeye (1980), directed by Robert Altman and co-starring Shelley Duvall. Following this, Williams showcased his extraordinary comedic talents alongside his capacity for serious roles through a series of successful films. He portrayed the title character in The World According to Garp (1982) and a Russian musician who defects to America in Moscow on the Hudson (1984).

Williams further solidified his status as a versatile actor with his roles in Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), where he played the irreverent radio DJ Adrian Cronauer, and Dead Poets Society (1989), in which he embodied the free-thinking teacher John Keating. Both performances earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Actor, underscoring his exceptional range and talent.

Addiction and Personal Issues

Throughout his career, Robin Williams faced significant personal challenges, including a long-standing struggle with drug and alcohol addiction that began during the filming of Mork & Mindy. This battle with addiction persisted for over two decades, impacting his personal life and relationships, including his tumultuous marriage to Valerie Velardi, which began in 1978.

Despite these difficulties, Williams remained committed to his acting career. He garnered acclaim for his performance in Awakenings (1990), a poignant drama directed by Penny Marshall, alongside Robert De Niro and Julie Kavner. Williams received his third Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Parry, a homeless man in the 1991 film The Fisher King, which showcased his remarkable ability to blend humor with deep emotional resonance. He also embraced family-oriented projects, notably starring as a grown-up Peter Pan in Hook (1991) and lending his iconic voice to the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin (1992). His filmography continued to include beloved titles such as Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Jumanji (1995), and Flubber (1997).

Academy Award and More Dramatic Roles

Williams’ foray into more adult-oriented films further solidified his versatility as an actor. He starred in The Birdcage (1996), a groundbreaking comedy that addressed themes of identity and acceptance, and Good Will Hunting (1997), which earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the empathetic psychologist Sean Maguire. This film, which also featured Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, received critical acclaim and marked a significant milestone in Williams’ career.

In the years that followed, Williams explored a diverse range of roles that highlighted both his comedic and dramatic talents. He portrayed a doctor who uses humor to connect with patients in Patch Adams (1998) and a Jewish man navigating the horrors of World War II in Jakob the Liar (1999). His performance in Bicentennial Man (1999), based on a story by Isaac Asimov, allowed him to explore the complexities of humanity through the lens of an android learning to experience human emotions. Williams returned to voice acting in A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001), where he voiced the character Dr. Know.

Williams’ career also included darker, more complex roles that showcased his range as an actor. He portrayed a disturbed photo developer in One Hour Photo (2002), a troubled writer in Insomnia (2002), and a radio host embroiled in a mystery in The Night Listener (2006).

In 2006, Williams demonstrated his comedic prowess in three distinct films. Man of the Year offered a satirical take on U.S. presidential politics, while his portrayal of Teddy Roosevelt in Night at the Museum (co-starring Ben Stiller) showcased his ability to bring historical figures to life. He also starred in the family comedy RV, alongside Cheryl Hines, Kristin Chenoweth, and Jeff Daniels.

Despite his professional successes, Williams faced setbacks in his personal life, including a relapse into addiction during the summer of 2006. He sought treatment for alcoholism in August of that year. Nevertheless, he rebounded and took on the role of a reverend in the romantic comedy License to Wed (2007), co-starring Mandy Moore and John Krasinski, further affirming his resilience and dedication to his craft.

Wives and Children

Robin Williams was married three times and had three children: Zachary, born on April 11, 1983; Zelda, born on July 31, 1989; and Cody, born on November 25, 1991.

In 1976, while working as a bartender in San Francisco, Williams met Valerie Velardi, an actress, and the two married in June 1978. In the 2018 HBO documentary Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind, Velardi candidly discussed their relationship, revealing her struggle with Williams’ infidelity. She stated, “He loved women. Absolutely loved women. I understood, and I wanted him to have that. But I also wanted him to come home.” Together, they welcomed their son Zachary in 1983 but divorced in 1988. The following year, Williams married Marsha Garces, his son’s nanny, who was pregnant with their daughter Zelda. They also welcomed a son, Cody, in 1991. This marriage ended in divorce in 2010, citing irreconcilable differences.

In October 2011, Williams married Susan Schneider, an artist and graphic designer. The couple resided in California until Williams’ death in 2014. Zachary, who goes by Zak, and Zelda pursued careers in acting, with Zelda also making strides as a director, producer, and writer.

Later Career and Health Problems

In September 2008, Williams began touring with his one-man stand-up comedy show, Weapons of Self Destruction, which addressed social and political absurdities. While he poured his energy into his sold-out performances, health issues arose, leading to a significant pause in his career. By March 2009, Williams was experiencing shortness of breath, which necessitated the cancellation of several shows and ultimately required heart surgery.

During his recovery, Williams reprised his role as Theodore Roosevelt in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. In November 2009, he starred alongside John Travolta in the Disney film Old Dogs.

Continuing his prolific career, Williams made guest appearances on television shows such as Louie and Wilfred. In March 2011, he took to Broadway as part of the original cast of Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, with the production running until July. He also lent his voice to the animated film Happy Feet Two, reprising his roles from the original 2006 film.

In 2013, Williams had supporting roles in two films: the romantic comedy The Big Wedding, featuring Robert De Niro and Diane Keaton, and Lee Daniels’ The Butler, where he portrayed Dwight D. Eisenhower. That same year, he announced his return to television, co-starring with Sarah Michelle Gellar in the sitcom The Crazy Ones, set in an advertising firm. The show, featuring Williams and Gellar as father and daughter, was canceled after only one season. In 2014, Williams portrayed the disgruntled Henry Altmann in the film Angriest Man in Brooklyn.

Robin Williams’ Philanthropy

Throughout his life, Williams was actively involved in various charitable endeavors, supporting numerous causes including Comic Relief, the LiveStrong Foundation, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Williams played a significant role in helping Comic Relief raise over $80 million for America’s homeless. Beginning in 1986, he hosted a series of television specials for the organization alongside fellow actor-comedians Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg.

Death and Tributes

On August 11, 2014, Robin Williams was found deceased at the age of 63 in his California home. His publicist issued the following statement: “Robin Williams passed away this morning. He has been battling severe depression of late. This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.” Authorities later confirmed that Williams died by suicide. The final autopsy report, released in November 2014, indicated that no alcohol or illegal drugs were present in his system, although prescription medications were found at “therapeutic concentrations.” Following his death, Williams’ closest friends and family held a private funeral in San Francisco, where his remains were cremated and subsequently scattered in the San Francisco Bay.

On September 27, a private tribute was held at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco, attended by family and industry colleagues. Notable speakers included comedian Bobcat Goldthwait, actress Bonnie Hunt, actor and comedian Eric Idle, and Williams’ three children. The event also featured performances by singers Bette Midler and Josh Groban, as well as appearances by actors Danny DeVito, Jeff Bridges, Ben Stiller, and Sarah Michelle Gellar, along with directors George Lucas, Chris Columbus, Gus Van Sant, and Penny Marshall. Stevie Wonder provided a musical tribute.

Three films featuring Williams were released posthumously. A Merry Friggin’ Christmas and Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb debuted in theaters in November and December 2014, respectively. Williams’ final film, Boulevard, was released in July 2015, in which he portrayed Nolan Mack, a man in a loving but passionless marriage, who confronts his concealed homosexuality following an encounter with a young male prostitute.

Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis

Shortly after Williams’ death, his wife, Susan Schneider, revealed on August 13 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a fact he had kept private. This degenerative condition affects the nervous system, progressively impairing movement and speech. Schneider confirmed that Williams was also grappling with depression and anxiety but had remained sober. She expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received after her husband’s passing and reflected on the legacy he left behind: “Since his passing, all of us who loved Robin have found some solace in the tremendous outpouring of affection and admiration for him from the millions of people whose lives he touched. His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles.” In November 2014, reports emerged indicating that Williams had also been suffering from Lewy body dementia, a progressive form of dementia often associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Net Worth

According to Forbes, the late Robin Williams left behind an estate valued at approximately $100 million at the time of his passing. To safeguard his legacy, Williams filed a deed restricting the use of his likeness—encompassing his name, image, voice, and signature—for a duration of 25 years following his death, preventing any use in films, advertisements, or endorsements until 2039.

Following his death, a legal dispute emerged involving Williams’ wife, Susan Schneider, and his three children regarding the distribution of his estate. Although Williams had intended for his children to inherit the estate, he included “special provisions” to ensure Schneider and her children from a previous relationship were adequately supported. In December 2014, Schneider filed a petition seeking additional funds, leading to disagreements over various assets, including Williams’ bicycle collection, awards, and photographs. Ultimately, the matter was resolved through an out-of-court settlement in October 2015.

Books and Documentaries

Years after his death, Robin Williams’ show business career and final days continued to intrigue fans and the public alike. In May 2018, Dave Itzkoff’s biography, Robin, became a best-seller, further illuminating the comedian’s life and career. Following its release, HBO presented a character study of Williams, featuring stand-up clips and interviews with family and friends in the documentary Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind.

In 2020, Susan Schneider participated in another documentary titled Robin’s Wish, which focused on her husband’s life, his final days, and his struggle with Lewy disease. Directed by Tylor Norwood, the film aimed to provide insight into the profound pain Williams experienced as his talents and faculties deteriorated, portraying him as “more heroic, more compassionate than any character he ever played in any of his movies.”