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 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.

Sections (5)

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

1906: Birth of Father, Robert Fitzgerald Williams

In 1906, Robert Fitzgerald Williams, Robin Williams' father, was born.

1922: Birth of Mother, Laurie McLaurin

In 1922, Laurie McLaurin, Robin Williams' mother, was born.

July 21, 1951: Robin Williams' Birth

On July 21, 1951, Robin McLaurin Williams was born at St. Luke's Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

1963: Family Moved to Detroit

In late 1963, when Robin Williams was 12 years old, his father was transferred to Detroit, Michigan, and the family moved to a farmhouse in Bloomfield Hills.

1969: High School Graduation

In 1969, Robin Williams graduated from Redwood High School and was voted "Most Likely Not to Succeed" and "Funniest" by his classmates.

1973: Attended Juilliard School

In 1973, Robin Williams was accepted into the Juilliard School in New York City on a full scholarship.

1975: Running with West Side YMCA

In 1975, Robin Williams, as part of the West Side YMCA runners club in New York City, ran a 10K in Central Park in 34:21 minutes, showing promising athletic ability.

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: Meeting Valerie Velardi

In 1976, Robin Williams met Valerie Velardi while working as a bartender in a San Francisco tavern, leading to their subsequent relationship.

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.

1978: Marriage to Valerie Velardi

In 1978, Robin Williams married actress Valerie Velardi, marking the beginning of their relationship after a live-in relationship with Elayne Boosler.

1982: Quitting drugs and alcohol

In 1982, the death of John Belushi from a drug overdose, along with the birth of his son Zak, led Robin Williams to quit drugs and alcohol. Williams also began cycling to alleviate his depression.

1983: Birth of son Zachary Pym

In 1983, Robin Williams and Valerie Velardi welcomed their son, Zachary Pym, into the world.

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.

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1987: Death of Father, Robert Fitzgerald Williams

In 1987, Robert Fitzgerald Williams, Robin Williams' father, passed away.

1988: Divorce from Valerie Velardi

In 1988, Robin Williams and Valerie Velardi divorced, ending their marriage.

April 30, 1989: Marriage to Marsha Garces

On April 30, 1989, Robin Williams married Marsha Garces, who was six months pregnant with their first child, marking a new chapter in his personal life.

1991: Birth of son Cody Alan

In 1991, Robin Williams and Marsha Garces welcomed their son, Cody Alan, into the world, expanding their family.

2001: Death of Mother, Laurie McLaurin

In 2001, Laurie McLaurin, Robin Williams' mother, passed away.

2003: Started Drinking Again

In 2003, Robin Williams began drinking again while working on the film The Big White (2005) in Alaska.

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2004: Death of Christopher Reeve

In 2004, Christopher Reeve, Robin Williams' close friend, passed away.

2006: Checked into Rehab

In 2006, Robin Williams checked into a substance-abuse rehabilitation center in Newberg, Oregon, acknowledging his alcoholism.

March 2008: Garces files for divorce

In March 2008, Marsha Garces filed for divorce from Robin Williams, citing irreconcilable differences, leading to the end of their marriage.

2008: Appearance at Israel's 60th Independence Day

In 2008, Robin Williams appeared in Times Square, along with other celebrities, to wish Israel a happy 60th Independence Day, showcasing his support for the country.

March 13, 2009: Heart Surgery

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

March 2009: Hospitalized for Heart Problems

In March 2009, Robin Williams was hospitalized for heart problems, leading to the postponement of his one-man tour.

2010: Divorce from Marsha Garces finalized

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

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.

2010: Acknowledged Sobriety Failure

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

2011: Marriage to Susan Schneider

In 2011, Robin Williams married graphic designer Susan Schneider, and they remained married until his death, sharing a home in Sea Cliff, San Francisco.

October 2013: Early Symptoms of Lewy Body Disease

In October 2013, Robin Williams began experiencing the early symptoms of Lewy body disease, including a sudden spike in fear, anxiety, stress, and insomnia, which worsened over time.

2014: Treatment for Alcoholism

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