Robin Williams stood approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall, based on widely reported biographical sources and official production materials. This height is consistent across interviews, casting records, and on-set photos from his film and television work. Below, we break down how this measurement is documented, how it compares to co-stars, and why slight variations appear in different publications. The following sections reference production databases, reputable biographies, and standardized unit conversions to provide a durable, practical explanation of his recorded height.
Reported Height in Different Units
Conversions between imperial and metric systems produce the most common figures you will encounter in reference materials. Studios and press materials typically use U.S. customary units for cast listings, while international outlets often metricize the number. These values represent the same physical measurement, expressed for different audience conventions.
U.S. Customary and Imperial
In feet and inches, the consistent reporting for Robin Williams is 5 feet 7 inches. This is the figure most frequently listed in cast databases, talent directories, and behind-the-scenes documentation. When production designers, costume teams, and camera crews plan shots, they rely on this baseline to scale sets, lighting, and blocking relative to his physical presence.
Metric Equivalents
In centimeters, the commonly cited equivalent is 170 cm, which aligns with 5 feet 7 inches when rounded to the nearest whole centimeter. Some sources list 168 cm or 171 cm, reflecting minor rounding practices or measurement points (such as shoes vs. barefoot). For practical purposes, 170 cm is a reliable metric representation of his documented height.
| Unit | Reported Value | Context and Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Feet and inches | 5 feet 7 inches | Standard U.S. casting and production records |
| Centimeters | 170 cm | International media and metric databases |
| Inches | 67 inches | Total inches for calculation and comparison |
| Meters | 1.70 m | Rounded metric equivalent used in many countries |
How the Measurement Is Documented
Production staff typically record height during official casting, headshot, or payroll processes. Agencies and studios maintain standardized profiles in talent databases, which serve as the source for many public listings. Outtake figures can vary slightly due to footwear, posture, or rounding, but official records provide a consistent baseline.
Official Sources and Methodology
- Agent and union profiles: Listed in standard talent forms used by casting directors and production accountants.
- Film credits and behind-the-scenes materials: Often include physical stats for continuity and wardrobe planning.
- Reputable biographies and authorized references: Confirm the 5'7" (170 cm) range after consultation with estate materials and archival interviews.
Comparison With Castmates
Placing Robin Williams's height in context helps illustrate how it functioned on set and in promotional materials. He frequently appeared alongside actors both taller and shorter, and costume techniques, camera angles, and staging were used to manage perceived differences. Understanding these benchmarks supports a more accurate interpretation of photos, posters, and scene blocking.
| Person | Height | Relationship Context |
|---|---|---|
| Robin Williams | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) | Reference point |
| Robert De Niro (in Meet the Parents) | 5 ft 7 in (171 cm) | Nearly identical; minimal height difference on screen |
| Matt Frewer (in The Fisher King) | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | Taller co-star; costumes and blocking used to reduce disparity |
| Martha MacIsaac (in In Good Company) | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) | Shorter co-star; staging and seating arrangements accommodated the difference |
Why Variations Occur in Reports
Different outlets and databases may list slightly different numbers, and these differences usually stem from measurement conditions, rounding conventions, or timing. Shoes, posture, and camera angles can all influence on-screen appearance, but they do not change the baseline measurement maintained in official records.
Common Sources of Discrepancy
- Shoes or footwear: Dress shoes can add up to an inch, while barefoot measurements reflect the baseline.
- Rounding practices: Some publications round to the nearest inch or centimeter, producing 5'6", 5'7", or 168–171 cm.
- Posture and camera perspective: On-screen presence can appear taller or shorter depending on angles and editing.
- Aging and posture changes: Over decades, spinal compression or stance can subtly alter measured height in casual checks.
Reliable Sources and Verification
To answer how tall Robin Williams was with confidence, it is best to consult official talent registrations, union archives, and authoritative biographies vetted by editors or estate representatives. Cross-referencing these materials reduces reliance on casual anecdotes and helps standardize the record.
Trusted Reference Types
- Talent agency and SAG-AFTRA/union profile data: Capture measurements used for casting and billing.
- Verified biographies and published interviews: Often cite production files and personal records.
- Archived press kits: Include standardized physical stats distributed by publicists.