History of Robin Williams in Timeline
Robin McLaurin Williams was a celebrated American actor and comedian widely recognized for his improvisational skills and diverse character portrayals in both comedic and dramatic roles. Considered one of the greatest comedians of all time, his talent earned him numerous awards, including an Academy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, five Grammy Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2005.
1906: Birth of Robin Williams' Father
Robin Williams' father, Robert Fitzgerald Williams, was born in 1906.
1922: Birth of Robin Williams' Mother
Robin Williams' mother, Laurie McLaurin, was born in 1922.
July 21, 1951: Birth of Robin Williams
On July 21, 1951, Robin McLaurin Williams was born in Chicago, Illinois.
1963: Williams Family Moves to Michigan
In late 1963, when Robin Williams was 12 years old, his family relocated to Bloomfield Hills, Michigan due to his father's job transfer.
1969: Robin Williams Graduates High School
Robin Williams graduated from Redwood High School in Larkspur, California in 1969. He was voted "Most Likely Not to Succeed" and "Funniest" by his classmates.
1973: Robin Williams Begins Studies at Juilliard
Robin Williams began his studies at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City in 1973, receiving a full scholarship and joining a class of 20 students.
1974: Robin Williams Works at The Trident
During the summer of 1974, Robin Williams worked as a busboy at The Trident in Sausalito, California.
1975: Robin Williams Works at The Trident
During the summer of 1975, Robin Williams worked as a busboy at The Trident in Sausalito, California.
1975: Running in Central Park
In 1975, Robin Williams, as a member of the West Side YMCA runners club in New York City, achieved a promising time of 34:21 minutes in a 10K run in Central Park.
1976: Robin Williams Works at The Trident
During the summer of 1976, Robin Williams worked as a busboy at The Trident in Sausalito, California.
1976: Robin Williams Begins Stand-Up Comedy Career
In 1976, Robin Williams kicked off his stand-up comedy journey in the San Francisco Bay Area, starting at the Holy City Zoo.
1976: Robin Williams Leaves Juilliard
In 1976, Robin Williams left the Juilliard School during his junior year, following the advice of John Houseman, who believed that Juilliard had taught him all it could.
1976: Meeting Valerie Velardi
Robin Williams first crossed paths with Valerie Velardi in 1976 while he was working as a bartender in San Francisco.
1977: Robin Williams' First Film Role
Robin Williams landed his first credited film role in 1977 with a small part in the comedy "Can I Do It... 'Til I Need Glasses?"
1977: Robin Williams Makes Television Debut
In 1977, Robin Williams made his first television appearance on a revival of the show "Laugh-In" after being scouted by producer George Schlatter. This marked the beginning of his successful television career.
June 1978: Marriage to Valerie Velardi
Robin Williams married Valerie Velardi in June 1978, following a period of cohabitation with comedian Elayne Boosler.
1978: "Mork & Mindy" Premieres
Capitalizing on the popularity of Mork, the spin-off sitcom "Mork & Mindy" premiered in 1978 and ran until 1982, solidifying Robin Williams' status as a comedic force in the entertainment industry.
1978: Robin Williams Releases "Off The Wall"
Robin Williams released his first HBO comedy special, "Off The Wall," in 1978.
1978: "Mork & Mindy" Premieres
Robin Williams rose to fame in 1978 with his role as Mork in the ABC sitcom "Mork & Mindy".
1978: Robin Williams Cast as Mork in "Happy Days"
Robin Williams was cast as the alien Mork in a 1978 episode of "Happy Days" titled "My Favorite Orkan." His improvisational skills and unique comedic timing in this role were met with rave reviews and served as a springboard for his career.
March 12, 1979: Robin Williams Featured on the Cover of Time Magazine
On March 12, 1979, Robin Williams graced the cover of Time magazine, marking a significant milestone in his career and highlighting his growing influence on comedy and popular culture.
August 23, 1979: Robin Williams Featured on the Cover of Rolling Stone Magazine
On August 23, 1979, Robin Williams appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone, further solidifying his presence in the cultural zeitgeist.
1979: Robin Williams Wins Grammy Award
Robin Williams won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 1979 for the recording of his live show "Reality... What a Concept."
1980: Release of "Reality... What a Concept"
In 1980, Robin Williams released his comedy album "Reality... What a Concept".
1980: Robin Williams Stars in "Popeye"
In 1980, Robin Williams took on his first starring film role as the titular character in "Popeye." Though the film wasn't a commercial success, Williams' performance was recognized for its display of his acting abilities.
1982: "Mork & Mindy" Concludes
After a successful run, "Mork & Mindy" concluded in 1982, leaving a lasting impact on television comedy and Williams' career trajectory.
1982: Overcoming Addiction
Following the drug overdose death of his friend John Belushi in 1982, and motivated by the birth of his son, Robin Williams decided to quit drugs and alcohol.
1982: Robin Williams Stars in "The World According to Garp"
Robin Williams starred in "The World According to Garp" in 1982, a role that showcased his dramatic range.
1982: "Mork & Mindy" Concludes
The ABC sitcom "Mork & Mindy", starring Robin Williams, concluded in 1982.
1983: Robin Williams Releases "An Evening with Robin Williams"
Robin Williams released his second HBO comedy special, "An Evening with Robin Williams," in 1983.
1983: Robin Williams Appears in "The Survivors"
Robin Williams appeared in the film "The Survivors" in 1983.
1983: Birth of Son Zachary Pym Williams
Robin Williams and Valerie Velardi welcomed their son, Zachary Pym "Zak" Williams, in 1983.
1984: Appearance in "Moscow on the Hudson"
Robin Williams showcased his acting range in the 1984 film "Moscow on the Hudson."
1984: Release of "Moscow on the Hudson"
Robin Williams starred in "Moscow on the Hudson", which was released in 1984.
1986: Comic Relief USA Founding
In 1986, Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, and Billy Crystal founded Comic Relief USA, an annual HBO television benefit dedicated to helping the homeless.
1986: Robin Williams Appears in "Club Paradise"
Robin Williams appeared in the film "Club Paradise" in 1986.
1986: Robin Williams Co-Hosts the 58th Academy Awards
Robin Williams co-hosted the 58th Academy Awards in 1986.
1986: Robin Williams Releases "A Night at the Met"
Robin Williams released his third HBO comedy special, "A Night at the Met," in 1986.
1987: Robin Williams Stars in "Good Morning, Vietnam"
Robin Williams starred in "Good Morning, Vietnam" in 1987, set during the Vietnam War in 1965, earning him critical acclaim and his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
1987: Release of "Good Morning, Vietnam"
Robin Williams starred in "Good Morning, Vietnam", which was released in 1987.
1987: Golden Globe for "Good Morning, Vietnam"
Robin Williams won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor—Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his role in "Good Morning, Vietnam" in 1987.
1987: Death of Robin Williams' Father
Robin Williams' father, Robert Fitzgerald Williams, passed away in 1987.
1988: Divorce from Valerie Velardi
After a decade of marriage, Robin Williams and Valerie Velardi divorced in 1988.
1988: Robin Williams Performs in "Waiting for Godot"
Robin Williams took to the stage in 1988, appearing opposite Steve Martin in an off-Broadway production of "Waiting for Godot" at Lincoln Center.
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 at the time.
1989: Release of "Dead Poets Society"
Robin Williams starred in "Dead Poets Society", which was released in 1989.
1989: Robin Williams Stars in "Dead Poets Society"
In 1989, Robin Williams delivered a powerful performance as an inspiring English teacher in "Dead Poets Society," a role that resonated deeply with audiences and cemented his place as a cultural icon.
1990: Robin Williams Stars in "Awakenings"
In 1990, Robin Williams starred in "Awakenings," portraying a doctor inspired by Oliver Sacks, author of the book upon which the film is based.
1990: Release of "Awakenings"
Robin Williams starred in "Awakenings", which was released in 1990.
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."
1991: Release of "The Fisher King"
Robin Williams starred in "The Fisher King", which was released in 1991.
1991: Robin Williams Stars in "Hook" and "The Fisher King"
Robin Williams took on the iconic role of a grown-up Peter Pan in "Hook" in 1991. That same year, he also starred in Terry Gilliam's "The Fisher King."
1992: Golden Globe for "Aladdin"
Robin Williams received the Special Golden Globe Award for Vocal Work in a Motion Picture for his role as the Genie in "Aladdin" in 1992.
1992: Playboy Interview: Balancing Life and Work
In a 1992 Playboy interview, Robin Williams discussed the challenges of balancing his career with his personal life, emphasizing his fear of losing creativity and sharpness.
1992: Voice Acting in Aladdin
In 1992, Robin Williams took on the iconic role of the Genie in Disney's animated film, "Aladdin." He initially hesitated due to concerns about merchandise and the studio's profit motives but agreed under specific conditions. Williams's improvisational genius shone as he voiced the character, recording extensive material and impersonating various celebrities.
1992: Voice Acting in "FernGully: The Last Rainforest"
In 1992, Robin Williams lent his voice talents to the animated film "FernGully: The Last Rainforest."
1992: Terry Gilliam Praises Robin Williams' Talent
Director Terry Gilliam, who had worked with Robin Williams on two films, lauded Williams' acting abilities in 1992, acknowledging his extraordinary range and comedic genius.
1993: Release of "Mrs. Doubtfire"
Robin Williams starred in "Mrs. Doubtfire", which was released in 1993.
1993: Robin Williams Stars in "Mrs. Doubtfire"
Robin Williams starred in the beloved comedy "Mrs. Doubtfire" in 1993.
1993: Golden Globe for "Mrs. Doubtfire"
Robin Williams won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor—Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his role in "Mrs. Doubtfire" in 1993.
1994: Refusal to Voice Genie in "The Return of Jafar"
In 1994, Robin Williams declined to participate in the direct-to-video sequel of "Aladdin," titled "The Return of Jafar." His decision stemmed from Disney's breach of agreement regarding the use of the Genie's voice in advertising.
1996: Return as the Genie in "Aladdin and the King of Thieves"
Robin Williams reprised his role as the Genie in "Aladdin and the King of Thieves" in 1996. This return followed a public apology from Disney executive Joe Roth, addressing previous contractual breaches that led to Williams's withdrawal from the second Aladdin film.
1997: Working with Woody Allen in "Deconstructing Harry"
Robin Williams's career was shaped by collaborations with influential figures in the film industry, one such collaboration was working with director Woody Allen in the 1997 film "Deconstructing Harry," where he shared the screen with Billy Crystal.
1997: Academy Award for "Good Will Hunting"
Robin Williams won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Good Will Hunting" in 1997.
1997: Robin Williams Wins Academy Award
Robin Williams won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "Good Will Hunting" in 1997.
1997: Cameo Appearance in "Friends"
Robin Williams and Billy Crystal made an unscripted cameo appearance in a 1997 episode of the popular sitcom "Friends."
1997: Robin Williams Stars in "Good Will Hunting"
Robin Williams delivered a moving performance as a therapist in "Good Will Hunting" in 1997.
1998: Performance in "What Dreams May Come"
Robin Williams delivered a noteworthy performance in the 1998 film "What Dreams May Come."
1998: Robin Williams Stars in "Patch Adams"
Robin Williams starred in "Patch Adams" in 1998.
1998: Release of "Patch Adams"
Robin Williams starred in "Patch Adams", which was released in 1998.
December 1999: Children's Promise Music Video
In December 1999, Robin Williams participated in a BBC-inspired music video for the charity Children's Promise, singing in French for a cover of The Rolling Stones' song "It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)" alongside other international celebrities.
1999: Role in "Bicentennial Man"
Robin Williams starred in the 1999 film "Bicentennial Man," further demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
April 2000: Hosting an Audible Talk Show
In April 2000, Robin Williams ventured into the world of audio entertainment by hosting a talk show exclusively for Audible's platform.
2001: Voice Acting in "A.I. Artificial Intelligence"
Robin Williams provided the voice for Dr. Know in the 2001 live-action film "A.I. Artificial Intelligence."
2001: Death of Robin Williams' Mother
Robin Williams' mother, Laurie McLaurin, passed away in 2001.
July 2002: "Robin Williams: Live on Broadway"
July 2002 marked a significant milestone in Robin Williams's career with his one-man show, "Robin Williams: Live on Broadway," staged at the prestigious Broadway Theatre.
2002: Williams Cites Influences in London Interview
During an interview with Michael Parkinson in London in 2002, Robin Williams cited Peter Sellers, Dudley Moore, and Peter Cook as major influences on his comedic style.
2002: Release of "Robin Williams: Live on Broadway"
Robin Williams's successful one-man show, "Robin Williams: Live on Broadway," was released on DVD in 2002.
2003: Relapse
In 2003, while filming "The Big White" in Alaska, Robin Williams relapsed and began drinking again.
2004: Appearance in "The Final Cut"
In 2004, Robin Williams starred in the science fiction psychological thriller "The Final Cut," where he portrayed a professional memory editor.
2004: Christopher Reeve Passes Away
Christopher Reeve, a close friend of Robin Williams since their time together at Juilliard, passed away in 2004.
2004: Ranked on Comedy Central's "100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time"
In 2004, Comedy Central recognized Robin Williams's comedic legacy by ranking him 13th on their list of "100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time."
2005: Release of "The Big White"
"The Big White", the film Robin Williams was working on when he relapsed in 2003, was released in 2005.
2005: Robin Williams Receives the Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 2005, Robin Williams was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award for his outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.
2005: Voice Acting in "Robots"
Robin Williams continued lending his voice to animated films in 2005, including a role in the film "Robots."
2005: Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award
Robin Williams was honored with the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globe Awards in 2005.
2006: Appearance in "Man of the Year" and "The Night Listener"
In 2006, Robin Williams starred in five films, notably in the political satire "Man of the Year" and the thriller "The Night Listener."
2006: Rehab for Alcoholism
Robin Williams checked himself into a substance-abuse rehabilitation center in Newberg, Oregon in 2006, acknowledging his struggles with alcoholism.
2006: Surprise Appearance at Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
Robin Williams made a surprise appearance at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in 2006 and also appeared in an episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" that aired on January 30.
March 2008: Divorce Filing
In March 2008, Marsha Garces filed for divorce from Robin Williams, citing irreconcilable differences.
August 2008: Announcement of "Weapons of Self-Destruction" Tour
August 2008 marked the announcement of Robin Williams's return to stand-up comedy after a six-year hiatus with his "Weapons of Self-Destruction" tour.
2008: Support for Israel
In 2008, on Israel's 60th Independence Day, Robin Williams joined several other celebrities in Times Square to celebrate and wish Israel a happy birthday.
March 13, 2009: Heart Surgery
On March 13, 2009, Robin Williams underwent successful surgery at the Cleveland Clinic to replace his aortic valve, repair his mitral valve, and address his irregular heartbeat.
March 2009: Hospitalization for Heart Problems
Robin Williams was hospitalized in March 2009 due to heart problems, leading him to postpone his one-man tour.
September 2009: Start of "Weapons of Self-Destruction" Tour
Robin Williams embarked on his 26-city "Weapons of Self-Destruction" stand-up comedy tour, which commenced at the end of September 2009.
December 8, 2009: "Weapons of Self-Destruction" HBO Special
On December 8, 2009, HBO aired a special featuring Robin Williams's stand-up comedy tour, "Weapons of Self-Destruction."
2009: Release of "World's Greatest Dad"
Robin Williams starred in "World's Greatest Dad", which was released in 2009.
2009: Named a Disney Legend
In 2009, Robin Williams's contributions to Disney animation, especially his memorable performance as the Genie in "Aladdin," were formally recognized when he was named a Disney Legend.
2010: Christchurch Earthquake Benefit
In 2010, following the Canterbury earthquake, Robin Williams donated all proceeds from his "Weapons of Self Destruction" performance in Christchurch, New Zealand, to aid in the city's rebuilding efforts.
2010: Continued Sobriety from Cocaine
In a 2010 interview, Robin Williams discussed his ongoing battle to maintain sobriety while affirming that he had not used cocaine since his earlier struggles with addiction.
2010: Divorce Finalization
Robin Williams and Marsha Garces's divorce was finalized in 2010.
2010: Sketch with Robert De Niro on "Saturday Night Live"
Robin Williams joined Robert De Niro for a memorable sketch on "Saturday Night Live" in 2010.
March 31, 2011: Broadway Debut in "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo"
March 31, 2011, marked Robin Williams's debut on Broadway in Rajiv Joseph's play "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo" at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. His performance earned him a nomination for the Drama League Award for Outstanding Distinguished Performer.
October 22, 2011: Marriage to Susan Schneider
On October 22, 2011, Robin Williams married his third wife, graphic designer Susan Schneider, in St. Helena, California.
2011: Voice Acting in the "Happy Feet" Franchise
Robin Williams contributed his voice to the "Happy Feet" film franchise from 2006 to 2011.
2011: Release of "Happy Feet Two"
Robin Williams lent his voice to the animated film "Happy Feet Two", released in 2011.
2012: Guest Appearances in "Louie" and "Wilfred"
Robin Williams made guest appearances as himself in two FX series, "Louie" and "Wilfred," in 2012.
May 2013: Starring in "The Crazy Ones"
In May 2013, Robin Williams starred in the CBS comedy series "The Crazy Ones," which, despite initial promise, was canceled after a single season.
October 2013: Onset of Lewy Body Disease Symptoms
According to Robin Williams's wife, Susan Schneider, he began experiencing early symptoms of Lewy body disease in October 2013, including heightened fear, anxiety, insomnia, and memory problems.
August 11, 2014: Death of Robin Williams
On August 11, 2014, Robin Williams passed away in Paradise Cay, California.
August 12, 2014: United Nations Pays Tribute to Robin Williams
On August 12, 2014, at the United Nations headquarters, Assistant Secretary General Thomas Gass paid tribute to Robin Williams during the opening of International Youth Day by quoting a line from "Dead Poets Society."
August 14, 2014: Broadway Honors Robin Williams
On August 14, 2014, Broadway paid tribute to Robin Williams by dimming the lights, and the cast of the musical "Aladdin" honored him with a sing-along of "Friend Like Me."
August 21, 2014: Robin Williams's Ashes Scattered
On August 21, 2014, following his death, Robin Williams's body was cremated, and his ashes were scattered over San Francisco Bay.
August 25, 2014: Billy Crystal's Tribute at the Emmys
During the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards on August 25, 2014, Billy Crystal presented a tribute to Robin Williams, highlighting his impact on the world of comedy.
September 9, 2014: PBS Special on Robin Williams
On September 9, 2014, PBS aired a one-hour special dedicated to Robin Williams's career.
September 27, 2014: Tribute to Robin Williams in San Francisco
A tribute to Robin Williams, celebrating his life and career, was held in San Francisco on September 27, 2014.
November 2014: Autopsy Report and Cause of Death
The final autopsy report, released in November 2014, confirmed that Robin Williams's death on August 11, 2014, was a suicide by hanging. The report indicated the presence of Lewy body dementia and highlighted his struggles with depression and anxiety.
2014: Biography by David Itzkoff
Work began on a biography of Robin Williams by The New York Times writer David Itzkoff in 2014, which was later published in 2018 as "Robin."
2014: Final Film in "Night at the Museum" Trilogy Released
The final film in the "Night at the Museum" trilogy, starring Robin Williams, was released in 2014.
2014: Treatment for Alcoholism
In mid-2014, Robin Williams sought treatment for alcoholism at the Hazelden Foundation Addiction Treatment Center in Center City, Minnesota.
2014: Posthumous Film Releases
Following Robin Williams's passing in 2014, four of his films, "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb," "A Merry Friggin' Christmas," "Boulevard," and "Absolutely Anything," were released posthumously.
2014: Comic Relief USA Fundraising Milestone
By 2014, Comic Relief USA, founded by Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, and Billy Crystal, had raised $80 million to support the homeless.
2015: Iron Maiden Dedicates Song to Robin Williams
In 2015, the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden released a song titled "Tears of a Clown" on their album "The Book of Souls," dedicated to Robin Williams and exploring his struggles with depression.
February 29, 2016: Robin Williams Tunnel
A tunnel on Highway 101, north of the Golden Gate Bridge, was officially named the "Robin Williams Tunnel" on February 29, 2016.
2016: Bicycle Donation
In 2016, Robin Williams's children donated 87 of his bicycles to support the Challenged Athletes Foundation and Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
2017: Robin Williams Meadow
Sharon Meadow in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park was renamed "Robin Williams Meadow" in 2017.
2018: HBO Documentary and Mural
In 2018, HBO released the documentary "Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind," and a mural of Robin Williams was created in San Francisco.
August 2020: Trailer Release for "Robin's Wish"
A trailer for the documentary "Robin's Wish" was released in August 2020.
September 1, 2020: Release of "Robin's Wish"
The documentary "Robin's Wish," exploring Robin Williams's battle with Lewy body dementia, was released digitally on September 1, 2020.
May 2022: Induction into the National Comedy Center
Robin Williams was posthumously inducted into the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York, as part of the Netflix special "The Hall: Honoring the Greats of Stand-Up" released in May 2022.