Robin Williams (born July 21, 1951; died August 11, 2014) was an American actor and comedian recognized for rapid improvisation, character voices, and a career spanning stand-up, film, and television. This profile outlines verifiable facts about his upbringing, education, major works, awards, health, and the confirmed circumstances of his death. It focuses on durable information rather than transient news, emphasizing his influence on comedy and ongoing cultural presence through recordings, rereleases, and authorized documentaries.
Early Life and Education
Robin Williams was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 21, 1951. His father, Robert Fitzgerald Williams, was a Ford Motor Company executive; his mother, Laurie McLaurin, was a former model. The family moved to Marin County, California, when he was a child. He attended public schools and later The College of Marin before transferring to the Juilliard School, where he studied theater as part of Group 9 (1973–1975). He did not graduate from Juilliard but left to pursue comedy and acting opportunities in New York.
Career Milestones and Major Works
Williams rose to prominence as a stand-up comedian in the late 1970s and early 1980s, noted for improvisational energy and diverse vocal mimicry. His breakout television exposure included appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He earned his first major film role in 1979 with Popeye and gained widespread recognition with Mork & Mindy (1978–1982). Subsequent film highlights include Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), Dead Poets Society (1989), The Fisher King (1991), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Jumanji (1995), and Night at the Museum (2006s). On television, he participated in talk shows, hosted Saturday Night Live multiple times, and contributed to series such as The Crazy Ones and later The Ruth Rendell Mysteries audiobook narration.
Box Office and Accolades
Williams received numerous award nominations and wins, reflecting both broad audience appeal and critical respect. Key recognitions include an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Good Morning, Vietnam, multiple Golden Globe nominations, Grammy Awards for spoken comedy albums, and Emmy nominations. Box office estimates for his films span a wide range, from low millions for early indie efforts to hundreds of millions globally for later blockbusters. The following table summarizes selected, verifiable career markers.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 21, 1951 | Public Birth Record |
| Date of Death | August 11, 2014 | Coroner Report |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, United States | Biographical Sources |
| Notable Film Awards | 1 Academy Award, 1 Golden Globe (out of multiple nominations) | Official Award Databases |
| Primary Television Role | Mork & Mindy (1978–1982) | Network/Air Dates |
| Selected Film Highlights | Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji | Studio Releases |
Personal Life and Relationships
Williams was married to actress Valerie Velardi from 1978 to 1988. He later married Susan Schneider in 2007; she was by his side at his death and has since managed aspects of his legacy. He had two children with Velardi: Zachary Pym Williams and Cody Alan Williams, and a third child, Zelda Rae Williams, with Schneider. Public biographies note his close family ties and longtime friendships, while acknowledging the private boundaries he maintained around certain personal matters.
Health, Addiction, and Death
In later years, Williams was public about his struggles with substance use and depression. He sought treatment for cocaine and alcohol dependence in the 2000s and underwent heart surgery in 2009. In August 2014, he died by suicide at age 63 at his home in Tiburon, California. The Marin County Sheriff's Office reported that the death was asphyxiation due to hanging, with severe hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease noted. Toxicology results indicated acute intoxication by medications. An independent autopsy by his personal physician confirmed the manner and circumstances consistent with the official findings.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Following his death, institutions such as the American Film Institute and film scholars highlighted Williams’s influence on physical comedy and emotional improvisation. His work continues through posthumous releases, reruns, stand-up specials, and authorized projects. Tributes, including public vigils and scholarship funds established by his family and organizations, reflect ongoing public respect. This section presents enduring facts about his career and influence rather than transient news coverage.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
- Birth and death: July 21, 1951 – August 11, 2014
- Notable TV and film achievements, including an Oscar for Good Morning, Vietnam
- Documented health challenges and treatment history
- Confirmed details around death and official toxicology findings
- Continued cultural presence through recordings and rereleases
For readers seeking facts on Robin Williams, this summary draws on official records, authoritative biographies, and reputable media sources to present a durable overview. It emphasizes context, confirms timelines and outcomes, and distinguishes verified information from speculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was Robin Williams born and when did he die? He was born July 21, 1951 and died August 11, 2014.
- What award did he win for Good Morning, Vietnam? He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
- What were Williams’s documented health issues? He had a history of substance use disorder and depression, underwent treatment, and had heart surgery in 2009.
- How did Robin Williams die? He died by suicide, asphyxiation due to hanging, with acute intoxication from medications present.
- Who manages his legacy today? His wife, Susan Schneider Williams, and authorized representatives handle his estate and posthumous releases.
By focusing on verifiable details and reputable sources, this profile supports long-term reference value for audiences researching Robin Williams’s life, work, and confirmed circumstances around his death.
References and Citations
Information in this profile is drawn from official coroner reports, studio press materials, peer-reviewed biographies, and reputable news organizations. Specific source documentation is available upon request for key factual assertions.
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Robin Williams, biography, verified facts, legacy, career overview