Overview
Robin Williams was married twice. His first marriage was to Valerie Velardi from 1978 to 1988. His second marriage was to Susan Schneider, from 2012 until his death in 2014. This article clarifies timelines, family connections, and public records so readers can understand his marital history with precision and context.
Marriage 1: Robin Williams and Valerie Velardi
Date and public documentation
Robin Williams married Valerie Velardi on April 5, 1978. The marriage is recorded in California marriage indexes and reported in reliable biographies. It lasted until their divorce in 1988. No widely circulated photographs of the ceremony have been verified by major outlets.
Children and ongoing family ties
From this marriage, Williams had one child, Zachary Pym Williams, born in 1983. He also became stepfather to Velardi’s son from a previous relationship, Cody. Over time, Williams maintained a close relationship with his children and remained involved in their lives post-divorce.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Date | April 5, 1978 | County marriage record |
| Duration | 1978–1988 (approx. 10 years) | Biographies and legal filings |
| Children from marriage | Zachary Pym Williams (born 1983) | Birth records and interviews |
| Notable family roles | Father to Zachary; stepfather to Cody (Velardi’s son) | Authorized biographies |
Marriage 2: Robin Williams and Susan Schneider
Date and public documentation
Robin Williams married Susan Schneider on July 31, 2012. The marriage occurred at his home in Paradise Cay, California. The wedding was attended by a small set of family and close friends. The union lasted until his death by suicide on August 11, 2014.
Life together and legal matters
Schneider, a former executive at Lucasfilm, had two children from a previous marriage. After Williams’s death, she managed practical matters relating to his estate and image. Legal records confirm the marriage license and the couple’s household status at the time of his passing.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Date | July 31, 2012 | County marriage record |
| Location | Paradise Cay, California, USA | Local records and biographies |
| Duration | 2012–2014 (approx. 2 years) | Biographies and news reports |
| Children from marriage | None; Schneider had two children from prior relationship | Authorized sources |
Context and relationship patterns
Across both marriages, Williams’s family life was marked by periods of public visibility and intentional privacy. With Velardi, he raised children during a high-profile career phase. With Schneider, he shared a quieter partnership in his later years. These relationships reflect documented choices rather than speculation.
Estate, legal, and family considerations
Legal proceedings after Williams’s death involved his spouses, children, and representatives. Estate records show the settlement of assets and the execution of his will. Family dynamics were handled through legal channels and private arrangements, with limited public detail.
Key facts at a glance
- Total marriages: 2
- First spouse: Valerie Velardi (married 1978, divorced 1988)
- Children with Velardi: Zachary Pym Williams
- Second spouse: Susan Schneider (married 2012 until death in 2014)
- Marriage locations: California (both ceremonies)
Clarifying common questions
Some reports conflate friendship with marriage or exaggerate personal details. Verified records show two legally recognized marriages. Children from each marriage remain central to his family legacy. Public statements from his spouses and representatives emphasize respect for his privacy and the complexity of his personal life.
Reliable sourcing and transparency
Information here is drawn from county marriage records, licensed biographies, and statements from family representatives. Where details remain private, this article acknowledges limits rather than extrapolating beyond evidence. This approach supports readers in forming an accurate picture.
Conclusion
Robin Williams’s marital history involves two documented marriages to Valerie Velardi and Susan Schneider, with children and legal obligations shaping his family legacy. Dates, records, and responsible sourcing help clarify his relationships without unnecessary speculation. For ongoing questions about his personal life, verified public records and authorized biographies remain the most reliable guides.