Career Timeline of Robin Williams: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Robin Williams, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Robin Williams was a highly acclaimed American actor and comedian celebrated for his exceptional improvisational talent and diverse character portrayals in both comedic and dramatic roles. Widely regarded as one of history's greatest comedians, he amassed numerous awards, including an Academy Award, multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Awards, and several Grammy and Screen Actors Guild Awards. In 2005, he received the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award, solidifying his lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
1974: Worked as a busboy
From the summer of 1974, Robin Williams worked as a busboy at The Trident in Sausalito, California.
1976: Started Stand-up Comedy
In 1976, Robin Williams began performing stand-up comedy in the San Francisco Bay Area at the Holy City Zoo.
1976: Left Juilliard School
In 1976, Robin Williams left the Juilliard School during his junior year, after being advised that the school had nothing more to teach him.
1976: Left Juilliard and worked as a busboy
In 1976, Robin Williams worked as a busboy at The Trident in Sausalito, California, and he also left Juilliard during his junior year.
1977: Minor Role in Can I Do It... 'Til I Need Glasses?
In 1977, Robin Williams had a minor role in the low-budget comedy film "Can I Do It... 'Til I Need Glasses?".
1977: Television Debut on Laugh-In
In 1977, Robin Williams made his television debut on the revival of the show "Laugh-In", after being spotted at The Comedy Store by George Schlatter. He also performed a show at the L.A. Improv for Home Box Office.
1978: Mork & Mindy Sitcom
In 1978, Robin Williams began starring as the alien Mork in the ABC sitcom "Mork & Mindy", launching him to wider fame.
1978: HBO Comedy Special
In 1978, Robin Williams starred in his first HBO comedy special, "Off The Wall".
1978: Cast as Mork in Happy Days
In 1978, Robin Williams was cast as the alien Mork in an episode of the television series "Happy Days", titled "My Favorite Orkan".
March 12, 1979: Time Magazine Cover
On March 12, 1979, Robin Williams appeared on the cover of Time magazine due to the success of "Mork & Mindy".
August 23, 1979: Rolling Stone Cover
On August 23, 1979, Robin Williams appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, photographed by Richard Avedon.
1979: Grammy Award for Reality ... What a Concept
In 1979, Robin Williams won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for the recording of his live show at the Copacabana, "Reality ... What a Concept".
1980: Reality ... What a Concept Album Release and Popeye Film Role
In 1980, Robin Williams released the comedy album "Reality ... What a Concept" and also received his first leading film role in the movie "Popeye".
1980: Starred in Popeye
In 1980, Robin Williams starred as the title character in the film "Popeye", marking his first starring performance in a film.
1982: Starred in The World According to Garp
In 1982, Robin Williams starred as the lead character in "The World According to Garp".
1982: End of Mork & Mindy
In 1982, the sitcom "Mork & Mindy", starring Robin Williams and Pam Dawber, concluded its run after four seasons.
1982: Mork & Mindy Ended
In 1982, the television sitcom "Mork & Mindy", starring Robin Williams, ended its run.
1983: An Evening with Robin Williams
In 1983, Robin Williams starred in his second HBO comedy special, "An Evening with Robin Williams".
1983: Starred in The Survivors
In 1983, Robin Williams starred in the film "The Survivors".
1984: Role in Moscow on the Hudson
In 1984, Robin Williams starred in Moscow on the Hudson, showcasing his dramatic acting abilities.
1986: Co-hosted the 58th Academy Awards
In 1986, Robin Williams co-hosted the 58th Academy Awards, showcasing his versatility and stage presence.
1986: A Night at the Met HBO Special
In 1986, Robin Williams starred in his third HBO comedy special, "A Night at the Met".
1986: Starred in Club Paradise
In 1986, Robin Williams starred in the film "Club Paradise".
1986: Establishment of Comic Relief USA
In 1986, Robin Williams, along with Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal, established Comic Relief USA, an annual HBO television benefit devoted to helping the homeless.
1987: Appearance in Carol, Carl, Whoopi and Robin and Starring role in Good Morning, Vietnam
In 1987, Robin Williams appeared in the sketch comedy special Carol, Carl, Whoopi and Robin alongside Carol Burnett, Carl Reiner, and Whoopi Goldberg. Also in 1987, Williams starred in Good Morning, Vietnam as Adrian Cronauer, a radio shock jock, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
1987: Oscar nomination for Good Morning, Vietnam
In 1987, Robin Williams received an Oscar nomination for his role in the movie "Good Morning, Vietnam".
1987: Golden Globe for Good Morning, Vietnam
In 1987, Robin Williams won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor—Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his role in Good Morning, Vietnam.
1988: Off-Broadway production of Waiting for Godot and film The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
In 1988, Robin Williams appeared opposite Steve Martin in an off-Broadway production of Waiting for Godot at Lincoln Center. In 1988, he also appeared in the film The Adventures of Baron Munchausen directed by Terry Gilliam.
1989: Oscar nomination for Dead Poets Society
In 1989, Robin Williams earned an Oscar nomination for his performance in "Dead Poets Society".
1989: Role in Dead Poets Society
In 1989, Robin Williams played an English teacher in Dead Poets Society, a role that inspired a generation and became part of pop culture.
1990: Role in Awakenings
In 1990, Robin Williams played a doctor modeled after Oliver Sacks in Awakenings, a film based on Sacks' book.
1991: Role in Hook
In 1991, Robin Williams played an adult Peter Pan in the film Hook, requiring him to lose 25 pounds for the role.
1991: Oscar nomination for The Fisher King
In 1991, Robin Williams received another Oscar nomination for his role in the film "The Fisher King".
1991: Golden Globe for The Fisher King
In 1991, Robin Williams won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor—Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his role in The Fisher King.
1992: Playboy Interview on Balancing Work and Life
During a 1992 Playboy interview, Robin Williams discussed his fear of losing his creative abilities and sharpness, and credited his father for instilling the self-confidence to speak about important subjects.
1992: Voice role in FernGully: The Last Rainforest
In 1992, Robin Williams lent his voice to FernGully: The Last Rainforest, adding to his repertoire of animated roles.
1992: Golden Globe for Aladdin
In 1992, Robin Williams received the Special Golden Globe Award for Vocal Work in a Motion Picture for his role as Genie in Aladdin.
1992: Starring in Toys and Aladdin
In 1992, Robin Williams starred in "Toys" and voiced the character of Genie in the animated film "Aladdin".
1992: Voice role as the Genie in Aladdin
In 1992, Robin Williams voiced the Genie in Disney's animated film Aladdin, a role written for him, which became one of his most recognized and best-loved performances. He improvised much of his dialogue and impersonated numerous celebrities. The film was the highest-grossing of 1992 and won a Special Golden Globe Award for Williams's vocal work.
1993: Role in Mrs. Doubtfire
In 1993, Robin Williams starred in Mrs. Doubtfire, a comedy tinged with pathos, showcasing his range as an actor.
1994: Refusal to sign for The Return of Jafar
In 1994, Robin Williams refused to sign for the direct-to-video sequel to Aladdin, The Return of Jafar, due to Disney breaking an agreement regarding the use of the Genie in advertising.
1995: Starring in Jumanji
In 1995, Robin Williams starred in the family film "Jumanji".
1996: Reprising the role in Aladdin and the King of Thieves
In 1996, Robin Williams reprised his role as the Genie in the second Aladdin sequel, Aladdin and the King of Thieves, after a public apology from Disney.
1996: Starring in The Birdcage and Jack
In 1996, Robin Williams starred in the films "The Birdcage" and "Jack".
1997: Role in Good Will Hunting
In 1997, Robin Williams played a therapist in Good Will Hunting, deeply affecting even some real therapists with his performance.
1997: Starring in Flubber
In 1997, Robin Williams starred in the family film "Flubber".
1997: Role in Deconstructing Harry
In 1997, Robin Williams was directed by Woody Allen, along with Billy Crystal, in Deconstructing Harry. Allen knew that Crystal and Williams had often worked together on stage.
1997: Academy Award for Good Will Hunting
In 1997, Robin Williams won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "Good Will Hunting".
1997: Unscripted cameo in Friends
In 1997, Robin Williams, along with Billy Crystal, made an unscripted cameo appearance in an episode of Friends.
1998: Role in Patch Adams
In 1998, Robin Williams starred in Patch Adams, a comedy tinged with pathos, showcasing his range as an actor.
1998: Role in What Dreams May Come
In 1998, Robin Williams starred in What Dreams May Come, a dramatic film exploring themes of love and loss.
December 1999: Singing on The Rolling Stones cover for Children's Promise
In December 1999, Robin Williams sang in French on the BBC-inspired music video of international celebrities doing a cover of The Rolling Stones single "It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)" for the charity Children's Promise.
1999: Role in Bicentennial Man
In 1999, Robin Williams starred in Bicentennial Man, a science fiction drama where he played an android learning about humanity.
April 2000: Hosting a talk show for Audible
In April 2000, Robin Williams hosted a talk show for Audible, available exclusively on their website, demonstrating his versatility in audio entertainment.
2001: Voice of Dr. Know in A.I. Artificial Intelligence
In 2001, Robin Williams voiced the holographic character Dr. Know in the live-action film A.I. Artificial Intelligence, showcasing his versatility in science fiction.
July 2002: Robin Williams: Live on Broadway
In July 2002, Robin Williams headlined his one-man show, Robin Williams: Live on Broadway, at the Broadway Theatre, showcasing his stand-up comedy talents.
2002: Robin Williams: Live on Broadway DVD
In 2002, Robin Williams released the DVD Robin Williams: Live on Broadway, capturing the success of his one-man show.
2002: Starring in Insomnia and One Hour Photo
In 2002, Robin Williams starred in the critically acclaimed dramas "Insomnia" and "One Hour Photo".
2002: Influence of Peter Sellers
In a 2002 interview in London with Michael Parkinson, Robin Williams cited Peter Sellers, Dudley Moore and Peter Cook as important influences, particularly Sellers's roles in Dr. Strangelove.
2004: Role in The Final Cut
In 2004, Robin Williams starred in the science fiction psychological thriller The Final Cut, playing a professional who edits memories of unsavory people.
2005: Voice Acting in Robots
In 2005, Robin Williams lent his voice to the animated film "Robots".
2005: Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 2005, Robin Williams received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award.
2005: Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 2005, Robin Williams was awarded the Cecil B. DeMille Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
2006: Starring in RV and Happy Feet
In 2006, Robin Williams starred in "RV" and lent his voice to the animated film "Happy Feet".
2006: Starring in five movies
In 2006, Robin Williams starred in five movies, including Man of the Year and The Night Listener, demonstrating his continued activity in film.
August 2008: Announcement of Weapons of Self-Destruction tour
In August 2008, Robin Williams announced his new 26-city tour, Weapons of Self-Destruction, marking his return to stand-up comedy after a six-year hiatus.
September 2009: Start of Weapons of Self-Destruction tour
In September 2009, Robin Williams began his Weapons of Self-Destruction tour, showcasing his stand-up comedy across 26 cities.
December 8, 2009: HBO Special Weapons of Self-Destruction
On December 8, 2009, Robin Williams's Weapons of Self-Destruction tour was featured in an HBO Special, bringing his stand-up comedy to a wider audience.
2009: Starring in World's Greatest Dad
In 2009, Robin Williams starred in the critically acclaimed drama "World's Greatest Dad".
2010: Appearance on Saturday Night Live
In 2010, Robin Williams appeared in a sketch with Robert De Niro on Saturday Night Live, demonstrating his continued presence in comedy and television.
2010: Donation to Canterbury earthquake relief
In 2010, following the Canterbury earthquake, Robin Williams donated all proceeds from his Weapons of Self Destruction Christchurch performance to help rebuild the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. Half of the proceeds went to the Red Cross and half to the mayoral building fund.
March 31, 2011: Broadway debut in Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
On March 31, 2011, Robin Williams made his Broadway acting debut in Rajiv Joseph's Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, marking a new milestone in his career.
2011: Happy Feet film franchise role
In 2011, Robin Williams continued his role in the Happy Feet film franchise, contributing to the success of the animated series.
2011: Voice Acting in Happy Feet Two
In 2011, Robin Williams lent his voice to the "Happy Feet" sequel.
2012: Guest-starring roles in Louie and Wilfred
In 2012, Robin Williams guest-starred as himself in two FX series, Louie and Wilfred, showcasing his willingness to engage with contemporary television.
May 2013: Starring in The Crazy Ones
In May 2013, Robin Williams starred in CBS's new series, The Crazy Ones, showcasing his return to sitcom television, though the show was canceled after one season.
September 9, 2014: PBS Special Aired
On September 9, 2014, PBS aired a one-hour special devoted to Robin Williams's career.
2014: Posthumous film releases
After Robin Williams's death in 2014, four films starring him were released: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, A Merry Friggin' Christmas, Boulevard, and Absolutely Anything, demonstrating his lasting legacy in the film industry.
2014: Comic Relief raised $80 million
By 2014, Comic Relief USA, co-founded by Robin Williams, had raised $80 million to aid the homeless, demonstrating the significant impact of the organization.
2014: Starring in Night at the Museum
In 2014, Robin Williams starred in "Night at the Museum".
2016: Donation of bicycles
In 2016, Robin Williams's children donated 87 of his bicycles to support the Challenged Athletes Foundation and Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, honoring his passion for cycling and charitable causes.
2018: HBO Documentary and Biography Publication
In 2018, HBO produced a documentary about Robin Williams's life, titled Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind, and David Itzkoff's biography, Robin, was published.
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