Early Life and Education of Robin Williams: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Robin Williams, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Robin Williams was a highly acclaimed American actor and comedian, celebrated for his exceptional improvisational talent and diverse character portrayals across both comedic and dramatic roles. Widely regarded as one of the greatest comedians ever, he earned numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Awards, and Grammy Awards. His contributions to the entertainment industry were further recognized with the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2005.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1975: Ran a 10K in Central Park

In 1975, Robin Williams ran a 10K in Central Park with a time of 34:21 minutes as part of the West Side YMCA runners club.

1976: Met Valerie Velardi

In 1976, Robin Williams met Valerie Velardi while working as a bartender in San Francisco.

1978: Married Valerie Velardi

In 1978, Robin Williams married actress Valerie Velardi.

1982: Quit Drugs and Alcohol After Belushi's Death

In 1982, the shock of John Belushi's death, along with the birth of his son Zak, prompted Robin Williams to quit drugs and alcohol. He turned to exercise and cycling to alleviate his depression shortly after Belushi's death.

1983: Birth of Zachary Pym

In 1983, Robin Williams and Valerie Velardi's son, Zachary Pym, was born.

1986: Co-founded Comic Relief USA

In 1986, Robin Williams teamed up with Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal to establish Comic Relief USA, an annual HBO television benefit devoted to the homeless.

1986: Reported affair with Marsha Garces

In 1986, it was reported that Robin Williams began an affair with Marsha Garces, his son's nanny.

1988: Divorced Valerie Velardi

In 1988, Robin Williams and Valerie Velardi were divorced.

April 30, 1989: Married Marsha Garces

On April 30, 1989, Robin Williams married Marsha Garces, who was six months pregnant with their first child.

1991: Birth of Cody Alan

In 1991, Robin Williams and Marsha Garces's second child, Cody Alan, was born.

2003: Started drinking again while working on 'The Big White'

In 2003, Robin Williams started drinking again while working on the film The Big White in Alaska.

2006: Checked into substance-abuse rehabilitation center

In 2006, Robin Williams checked in to a substance-abuse rehabilitation center in Newberg, Oregon, acknowledging he was an alcoholic.

March 2008: Marsha Garces filed for divorce

In March 2008, Marsha Garces filed for divorce from Robin Williams, citing irreconcilable differences.

2008: Appeared at Israel's 60th Independence Day celebration

In 2008, Robin Williams appeared in Times Square with other celebrities to wish Israel a happy 60th birthday.

March 13, 2009: Heart surgery completed

On March 13, 2009, Robin Williams completed surgery at the Cleveland Clinic to replace his aortic valve, repair his mitral valve, and correct his irregular heartbeat.

March 2009: Hospitalized due to heart problems

In March 2009, Robin Williams was hospitalized due to heart problems, leading him to postpone his one-man tour for surgery.

2010: Divorce from Marsha Garces finalized

In 2010, Robin Williams's divorce from Marsha Garces was finalized.

2010: Donation after Canterbury earthquake

In 2010, in response to the Canterbury earthquake, Robin Williams donated all proceeds of his Weapons of Self Destruction Christchurch performance to help rebuild the New Zealand city. Half the proceeds were donated to the Red Cross and half to the mayoral building fund.

2010: Acknowledged failure to maintain sobriety

In a 2010 interview, Robin Williams acknowledged his failure to maintain sobriety, but said that he never returned to using cocaine.

2011: Married Susan Schneider

In 2011, Robin Williams married graphic designer Susan Schneider, and they remained married until his death.

October 2013: Early symptoms of Lewy Body Disease began

In October 2013, Robin Williams experienced the early symptoms of Lewy body disease, including a sudden and prolonged spike in fear, anxiety, stress, and insomnia.

August 21, 2014: Ashes Scattered Over San Francisco Bay

Following his cremation, Robin Williams's ashes were scattered over San Francisco Bay on August 21, 2014.

2014: Comic Relief USA raised $80 million as of 2014

As of 2014, Comic Relief USA, co-founded by Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal, had raised $80 million for the homeless.

2014: Admitted to Hazelden Foundation Addiction Treatment Center

In mid-2014, Robin Williams was admitted to the Hazelden Foundation Addiction Treatment Center in Center City, Minnesota, for treatment for alcoholism.

2018: Velardi stated the relationship with Garces began after separation

In 2018, Valerie Velardi stated in the documentary 'Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind' that the relationship with Marsha Garces began after she and Robin Williams had separated.