Summary Answer
Yes, Robin Williams was married. He was married twice: first to actress Valerie Velardi from 1978 to 1988, and second to costume designer Susan Schneider from 2007 until his death in 2014. He had three children with Velardi and was married to Schneider for seven years. This overview compiles verified timelines, sources, and context about his marital status and key relationships.
Robin Williams’s First Marriage to Valerie Velardi
Marriage Timeline and Family
Robin Williams married Valerie Velardi on February 19, 1978. They had known each other since childhood and began dating in the 1970s as Williams was building his comedy and acting career. The marriage lasted approximately 10 years and ended in divorce in 1988. During this period, Williams had three children with Velardi: Zachary Pym (born 1983), Cody Alan (born 1984), and Allegra Belle (born 1986). The family was frequently in the public eye as Williams’s career accelerated in film and television.
Context and Parting
Williams and Velardi divorced amicably, with shared parenting remaining a priority. In retrospective interviews, Williams spoke warmly about Velardi’s role in his early career and family life. The children maintained relationships with both parents after the separation. This period established Williams as both a prominent comedian and a family man in the public eye, balancing high-profile work with parental responsibilities throughout the 1980s.
Robin Williams’s Second Marriage to Susan Schneider
Meeting and Wedding Details
Robin Williams began a relationship with costume designer Susan Schneider in 2006. They married on July 31, 2007, in a private ceremony. Schneider was a longtime friend and had worked in film and theater costume design before joining Williams’s inner circle. The marriage remained private, with limited media coverage, and was described by those close to the couple as supportive and steady.
Duration and Williams’s Death
Williams and Schneider were married for seven years, until his death on August 11, 2014. At the time of his passing, Williams was living with Schneider in Paradise Cay, California. His death followed a struggle with depression and Parkinson’s disease. Schneider has spoken publicly about supporting Williams through health challenges and managing his legacy, including his estate and posthumous releases.
Verified Marital Timeline
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| First marriage | Valerie Velardi, February 19, 1978–1988 | Biographies, interviews |
| Children with Velardi | Zachary Pym (1983), Cody Alan (1984), Allegra Belle (1986) | Court, estate documents |
| Second marriage | Susan Schneider, July 31, 2007–August 11, 2014 | Biographies, public records |
| Place of death | Paradise Cay, California, USA | Obituary, news reports |
| Cause of death | Asphyxia due to hanging, with Parkinson disease and depression listed as significant conditions | Coroner’s report |
Public Perception and Media Narratives
Media coverage of Williams often emphasized his comedic genius and struggles with mental health, while his marital life was portrayed as generally stable and family-focused. The transition from his first, more public marriage to Velardi to his quieter life with Schneider reflected both personal evolution and changing media landscapes. Close friends and colleagues described both relationships as meaningful and formative. These narratives helped shape a lasting public impression of Williams as a devoted parent and partner despite well-documented challenges.
Estate, Legacy, and Family Roles
Legal and Familial Considerations
Williams’s estate planning and custody arrangements reflected his family-first priorities. With Velardi, he established long-term co-parenting practices that continued after divorce. With Schneider, he ensured spousal and health care directives were in place prior to his death. The executor of his estate and ongoing management of his likeness involve both family members and legal representatives. These measures highlight how marital and familial roles persisted in legal and practical ways well after his passing.
Key Takeaways
- Williams was married twice: to Valerie Velardi (1978–1988) and to Susan Schneider (2007–2014).
- He had three children with Velardi and was married to Schneider at the time of his death.
- Both marriages are documented in biographies, public records, and reputable obituaries.
- His death occurred at his home in California; causes included asphyxia, Parkinson’s disease, and depression.
- Posthumous legal and estate matters continue to reflect his family structure and marital choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Williams’s marital life revolve around the number of marriages, timelines, children, and how his relationships influenced his career and public image. Understanding these elements together provides a clearer picture of his personal history beyond headlines.