History of Robin Williams in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 12, 2026

Robin Williams (1951–2014) was an iconic American actor and comedian, celebrated for his unparalleled improvisational skills and versatility. Rising to fame on the sitcom Mork & Mindy, he transitioned into a prolific film career, delivering memorable performances in classics like Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, and The Fisher King. His portrayal of the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin demonstrated his unique ability to blend manic energy with heartfelt vulnerability. Williams earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Good Will Hunting. Beyond his professional success, he was known for his immense generosity and charitable efforts. Despite his external humor, his life was marked by struggles with mental health, ending in his tragic death by suicide. He remains a beloved figure in global pop culture, remembered for his singular ability to evoke both uproarious laughter and profound emotional depth in audiences worldwide.

Sections (5)

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

1906: Birth of Robert Fitzgerald Williams

In 1906, Robert Fitzgerald Williams, who would later become a senior executive at Ford's Lincoln-Mercury Division and father to Robin Williams, was born.

1922: Birth of Laurie McLaurin

Laurie McLaurin, a former model from Jackson, Mississippi, and the mother of Robin Williams, was born in 1922.

July 21, 1951: Birth of Robin Williams

Robin McLaurin Williams was born on July 21, 1951, later becoming an iconic American actor and comedian celebrated for his improvisational genius.

1963: Relocation and Enrollment at Detroit Country Day School

In late 1963, at the age of 12, Robin Williams moved to Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, after his father was transferred to Detroit. During this time, he began attending the private all-boys Detroit Country Day School, where he achieved academic success and served as class president while participating in wrestling, despite facing challenges with bullying.

1969: High School Graduation from Redwood High School

In 1969, Robin Williams graduated from Redwood High School in Larkspur, California, where his classmates recognized his comedic personality and potential by voting him both 'Most Likely Not to Succeed' and 'Funniest'.

1973: Admission to the Juilliard School

In 1973, Robin Williams received a full scholarship to the Juilliard School in New York City, joining an exclusive cohort of 20 students as part of the school's Advanced Program.

1974: Employment as a Busboy

Starting in the summer of 1974, Robin Williams began working as a busboy at The Trident restaurant located in Sausalito, California, a position he held through the summer of 1976.

1976: Beginning of Stand-Up Comedy Career

In 1976, Robin Williams launched his stand-up comedy career in the San Francisco Bay Area, starting his journey at the Holy City Zoo comedy club after initially working there as a bartender.

1976: Departure from Juilliard

In 1976, during his junior year, Robin Williams withdrew from the Juilliard School after instructor John Houseman suggested he had exhausted the school's ability to further his training.

1976: Completion of Juilliard Advanced Program

The year 1976 marked the conclusion of Robin Williams's participation in the Juilliard School's Advanced Program, which he began in 1973.

1977: Television Debut and Professional Expansion

During 1977, Robin Williams made his television debut on a revival of the show Laugh-In after being discovered by producer George Schlatter at the Comedy Store. Also in 1977, he performed a stand-up show at the L.A. Improv for Home Box Office and continued to refine his craft at venues like the Roxy and the Fighting Cocks in London.

1977: First Credited Film Role

In 1977, Robin Williams secured his first credited film role, appearing in a minor part in the low-budget comedy titled Can I Do It... 'Til I Need Glasses?.

1978: Robin Williams Cast as Mork in Happy Days

In 1978, Robin Williams was cast by producer Garry Marshall as the alien character Mork for a guest appearance on the television show Happy Days in the episode 'My Favorite Orkan'. Williams successfully improvised much of his dialogue and physical comedy during the audition, leading network executives to sign him to a contract shortly after his performance.

1978: Premiere of Mork & Mindy

In 1978, the television sitcom Mork & Mindy premiered, featuring Robin Williams as the lead character Mork; the show's format was specifically designed to highlight Williams' improvisational comedic style.

March 12, 1979: Time Magazine Cover Appearance

On March 12, 1979, Robin Williams was featured on the cover of Time magazine, reflecting the massive success of his television series Mork & Mindy during its debut season.

August 23, 1979: Rolling Stone Magazine Cover Appearance

Robin Williams was featured on the cover of the August 23, 1979, issue of Rolling Stone magazine, with his portrait captured by photographer Richard Avedon.

1980: Release of Reality... What a Concept and Popeye

In 1980, Robin Williams released his comedy album Reality ... What a Concept and debuted in his first leading film role in the motion picture Popeye.

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1980: First Starring Film Performance in Popeye

In 1980, Robin Williams took on his first starring role as the title character in the film Popeye, where he successfully showcased the acting talents he had previously displayed in his television career despite the film's commercial struggles.

1982: Release of The World According to Garp

In 1982, Robin Williams showcased his dramatic acting range by starring in the critically acclaimed film The World According to Garp.

1982: Conclusion of Mork & Mindy

The popular ABC sitcom Mork & Mindy, which propelled Robin Williams to fame, concluded its run in 1982.

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1984: Release of Moscow on the Hudson

Robin Williams starred in the 1984 dramatic film Moscow on the Hudson, further establishing his reputation for critical acclaim.

1987: Death of Robert Fitzgerald Williams

Robert Fitzgerald Williams, the father of Robin Williams and a Ford executive, passed away in 1987.

1987: Oscar Nomination for Good Morning, Vietnam

Robin Williams earned an Academy Award nomination for his lead role in the 1987 film Good Morning, Vietnam.

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1989: Oscar Nomination for Dead Poets Society

In 1989, Robin Williams received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in the critically acclaimed film Dead Poets Society.

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1990: Release of Awakenings

In 1990, Williams delivered a notable performance in the drama Awakenings, continuing his success in serious film roles.

1991: Release of Hook

In 1991, Williams starred in the family fantasy film Hook, adding to his portfolio of comedic and family-oriented cinema.

1991: Oscar Nomination for The Fisher King

Robin Williams garnered an Academy Award nomination for his acting work in the 1991 film The Fisher King.

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1992: Release of Toys and Aladdin

The year 1992 saw Williams involved in two major projects: the family film Toys and the animated feature Aladdin, for which he provided voice work.

1993: Release of Mrs. Doubtfire

In 1993, Robin Williams starred in one of his most iconic comedic family films, Mrs. Doubtfire.

1995: Release of Jumanji

Robin Williams starred in the family adventure film Jumanji, which was released in 1995.

1996: Release of The Birdcage and Jack

In 1996, Williams expanded his comedy filmography with roles in both The Birdcage and Jack.

1997: Academy Award Win for Good Will Hunting

In 1997, Robin Williams received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film Good Will Hunting.

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1997: Release of Flubber

Robin Williams starred in the family comedy Flubber, which was released to audiences in 1997.

1998: Release of Patch Adams

In 1998, Williams starred in the heartwarming family-oriented film Patch Adams.

2001: Appearance on Inside the Actors Studio

In 2001, Robin Williams appeared on the television program Inside the Actors Studio, where he discussed his upbringing and credited his mother for influencing his comedic style.

2002: Release of Insomnia and One Hour Photo

In 2002, Williams demonstrated his versatility by appearing in two psychological thrillers: Insomnia and One Hour Photo.

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2004: Passing of Christopher Reeve

In 2004, Robin Williams's long-time close friend and fellow actor Christopher Reeve passed away, marking the end of a deep "brotherly" friendship that had lasted since their time in acting school.

2005: Receipt of the Cecil B. DeMille Award

In 2005, Robin Williams was honored with the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.

2005: Release of Robots

In 2005, Williams provided his voice for the animated film Robots.

2006: Release of RV, Happy Feet, and Night at the Museum

The year 2006 was busy for Williams as he appeared in the comedy RV, provided voice work for Happy Feet, and began the Night at the Museum series.

2009: Release of World's Greatest Dad

Robin Williams took on a role in the critically acclaimed drama World's Greatest Dad, which was released in 2009.

2011: Release of Happy Feet Two

Robin Williams returned to provide voice work for the animated sequel Happy Feet Two, released in 2011.

August 11, 2014: Death of Robin Williams

The legendary performer and comedian Robin Williams passed away on August 11, 2014, leaving behind a profound legacy in both film and comedy.

2014: Conclusion of Night at the Museum Series

By 2014, Robin Williams concluded his work on the Night at the Museum series, which had been a significant part of his later family film career.

2014: Death and Posthumous Diagnosis of Robin Williams

In 2014, the legendary actor and comedian Robin Williams passed away by suicide at the age of 63, following a period of struggle with severe depression, anxiety, and paranoia. A subsequent autopsy revealed that he had been suffering from diffuse Lewy body disease, with medical professionals confirming his symptoms were consistent with dementia with Lewy bodies. Following his death in 2014, a massive wave of public and professional tributes was held in his honor.