History of Robin Williams in Timeline
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 earned numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Grammy Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. He received the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2005, cementing his legacy as a versatile and beloved entertainer.
1906: Birth of Robin William's Father
In 1906, Robert Fitzgerald Williams, Robin Williams' father, was born.
1922: Birth of Robin William's Mother
In 1922, Laurie McLaurin, Robin Williams' mother, was born in Jackson, Mississippi.
1969: High School Graduation
In 1969, Robin Williams graduated from Redwood High School, where he was voted "Most Likely Not to Succeed" and "Funniest" by his classmates.
1973: Attended Juilliard School
In 1973, Robin Williams was granted a full scholarship and began attending the Juilliard School in New York City, where he was one of 20 students accepted into the freshman class.
1974: Worked as a Busboy
From the summers of 1974 to 1976, Robin Williams worked as a busboy at The Trident in Sausalito, California.
1975: Running with West Side YMCA runners club
In 1975, Robin Williams was part of the West Side YMCA runners club in New York City and showed promising results with 34:21 minutes at a 10K run in Central Park.
1976: Started Stand-up Comedy
In 1976, Robin Williams began performing stand-up comedy in the San Francisco Bay Area, with his first performance at the Holy City Zoo.
1976: Left Juilliard School
In 1976, Robin Williams left the Juilliard School during his junior year, following the suggestion 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 San Francisco.
1976: Worked as a Busboy and Left Julliard
In 1976, Robin Williams worked as a busboy at The Trident in Sausalito, California, and 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 Can I Do It... 'Til I Need Glasses?
1977: Television Debut on Laugh-In
In 1977, Robin Williams was seen by television producer George Schlatter, who asked him to appear on a revival of his show Laugh-In, marking Williams' television debut.
1978: HBO Comedy Special: Off The Wall
In 1978, Robin Williams had his HBO comedy special titled "Off The Wall".
1978: Marriage to Valerie Velardi
In 1978, Robin Williams married actress Valerie Velardi.
1978: Mork & Mindy Premier
In 1978, Robin Williams rose to fame playing the alien Mork in the ABC sitcom Mork & Mindy.
1978: Cast as Mork in Happy Days
In 1978, Robin Williams was cast by Garry Marshall as the alien Mork in an episode of the television series Happy Days titled "My Favorite Orkan".
1978: Premier of Mork & Mindy
In 1978, the spin-off television sitcom Mork & Mindy, co-starring Pam Dawber, began airing.
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, photographed by Richard Avedon.
1979: Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album
In 1979, Robin Williams won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for Reality ... What a Concept, recorded live at the Copacabana in New York City.
1980: First Leading Film Role and Comedy Album Release
In 1980, Robin Williams received his first leading film role in Popeye and also released several comedy albums including Reality ... What a Concept.
1980: Starring Performance in Popeye
In 1980, Robin Williams's first starring performance was as the title character in Popeye.
1982: Starred in The World According to Garp
In 1982, Robin Williams starred as the lead character in The World According to Garp.
1982: Mork & Mindy Ended
In 1982, the ABC sitcom Mork & Mindy, where Robin Williams played the alien Mork, concluded.
1982: Quit drugs and alcohol after Belushi's death
In 1982, the death of John Belushi from a drug overdose, 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.
1983: Birth of son Zachary Pym
In 1983, Robin Williams and Valerie Velardi's son, Zachary Pym, was born.
1983: HBO Comedy Special: An Evening with Robin Williams
In 1983, Robin Williams had his HBO comedy special titled "An Evening with Robin Williams".
1983: Starred in The Survivors
In 1983, Robin Williams starred in The Survivors.
1984: Dramatic performance in Moscow on the Hudson
In 1984, Robin Williams had a dramatic performance in the film Moscow on the Hudson.
1984: Starred in Moscow on the Hudson
In 1984, Robin Williams starred in the critically acclaimed drama, Moscow on the Hudson.
1986: Co-hosted the 58th Academy Awards
In 1986, Robin Williams co-hosted the 58th Academy Awards.
1986: HBO Comedy Special: A Night at the Met
In 1986, Robin Williams had his HBO comedy special titled "A Night at the Met".
1986: Starred in Club Paradise
In 1986, Robin Williams starred in Club Paradise.
1986: Establishment of 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 Zachary's nanny, Marsha Garces.
1987: Death of Robin William's Father
In 1987, Robert Fitzgerald Williams, Robin Williams' father, passed away.
1987: Starred in Good Morning, Vietnam and Carol, Carl, Whoopi and Robin
In 1987, Robin Williams appeared in the sketch comedy special Carol, Carl, Whoopi and Robin, acting alongside Carol Burnett, Carl Reiner, and Whoopi Goldberg. 1987 also marked Williams's first major break as he starred in the movie Good Morning, Vietnam, earning him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor.
1987: Oscar Nomination for Good Morning, Vietnam
In 1987, Robin Williams received an Oscar nomination for his role in Good Morning, Vietnam.
1987: Won Golden Globe for 'Good Morning, Vietnam'
In 1987, Robin Williams won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor—Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his role in "Good Morning, Vietnam".
1988: Divorce from Valerie Velardi
In 1988, Robin Williams and Valerie Velardi were divorced.
1988: Appearance in Waiting for Godot and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
In 1988, Robin Williams appeared opposite Steve Martin at Lincoln Center in an off-Broadway production of Waiting for Godot. He also appeared in The Adventures of Baron Munchausen in 1988.
April 30, 1989: Marriage to Marsha Garces
On April 30, 1989, Robin Williams married Marsha Garces, who was pregnant with their first child.
1989: Role in Dead Poets Society
In 1989, Robin Williams played a private-school English teacher in Dead Poets Society. The film's final, emotional scene was said to inspire a generation.
1989: Oscar Nomination for Dead Poets Society
In 1989, Robin Williams received an Oscar nomination for his role in Dead Poets Society.
1990: Role in Awakenings
In 1990, Robin Williams played a doctor modeled after Oliver Sacks in the film Awakenings.
1991: Birth of son Cody Alan
In 1991, Robin Williams and Marsha Garces had their second child, Cody Alan.
1991: Role in Hook and The Fisher King
In 1991, Robin Williams played an adult Peter Pan in the film Hook, and also appeared in The Fisher King.
1991: Oscar Nomination for The Fisher King
In 1991, Robin Williams received an Oscar nomination for his role in The Fisher King.
1991: Won Golden Globe for 'The Fisher King'
In 1991, Robin Williams won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor—Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his role in "The Fisher King".
1992: Playboy interview about fear of losing balance in life
During a Playboy interview in 1992, Robin Williams discussed his fear of losing his creative spark and sharpness, and credited his father for strengthening his self-confidence.
1992: Voice role in FernGully: The Last Rainforest
In 1992, Robin Williams lent his voice to FernGully: The Last Rainforest.
1992: Starred in Toys and Aladdin
In 1992, Robin Williams starred in the film Toys and lent his voice to the animated film Aladdin.
1992: Voice role as the Genie in Aladdin
In 1992, Robin Williams voiced the Genie in the animated musical Aladdin. The role was written for him, and he improvised much of his dialogue, impersonating numerous celebrities. Aladdin was the highest-grossing film of 1992, and Williams won a Special Golden Globe Award for his vocal work.
1992: Won Golden Globe for Vocal Work in 'Aladdin'
In 1992, Robin Williams won the Special Golden Globe Award for Vocal Work in a Motion Picture for his role as Genie in "Aladdin".
1992: Terry Gilliam's comment on Williams's abilities
In 1992, Terry Gilliam, who directed Robin Williams in two films, commented on Williams' ability to transition between manic, mad, tender, and vulnerable states, calling him a unique mind.
1993: Starred in Mrs. Doubtfire
In 1993, Robin Williams starred in Mrs. Doubtfire.
1993: Won Golden Globe for 'Mrs. Doubtfire'
In 1993, Robin Williams won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor—Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his role in "Mrs. Doubtfire".
1994: Refusal to sign for The Return of Jafar
In 1994, Robin Williams refused to sign for the direct-to-video sequel, The Return of Jafar, due to Disney breaking an agreement regarding the use of the Genie in the advertising for Aladdin.
1996: Reprising the role in Aladdin and the King of Thieves
In 1996, Robin Williams reprised the role of the Genie in the Aladdin sequel, Aladdin and the King of Thieves, after a public apology from Disney.
1996: Starred in The Birdcage and Jack
In 1996, Robin Williams starred in The Birdcage and Jack.
1997: Unscripted cameo in Friends
In 1997, Robin Williams appeared with Billy Crystal in an unscripted cameo at the beginning of an episode of Friends.
1997: Role in Good Will Hunting
In 1997, Robin Williams played a therapist in Good Will Hunting, which deeply affected even some real therapists.
1997: Role in Deconstructing Harry
In 1997, Robin Williams was directed by Woody Allen in Deconstructing Harry, which also starred Billy Crystal.
1997: Won Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor
In 1997, Robin Williams won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Good Will Hunting".
1998: Dramatic performance in What Dreams May Come
In 1998, Robin Williams gave a dramatic performance in the film What Dreams May Come.
1998: Starred in Patch Adams
In 1998, Robin Williams starred in Patch Adams.
December 1999: Sang on BBC-inspired music video for charity
In December 1999, Robin Williams sang in French on the BBC-inspired music video cover of The Rolling Stones' "It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)" for the charity Children's Promise.
1999: Dramatic performance in Bicentennial Man
In 1999, Robin Williams gave a dramatic performance in the film Bicentennial Man.
April 2000: Host of talk show for Audible
In April 2000, Robin Williams hosted a talk show for Audible, available only on Audible's website.
2001: Robin Williams credits his mother as early influence.
During a television interview on Inside the Actors Studio in 2001, Williams credited his mother as an important early influence on his humor.
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.
July 2002: Robin Williams: Live on Broadway
In July 2002, Robin Williams headlined his own one-man show, Robin Williams: Live on Broadway, at the Broadway Theatre.
2002: Release of Robin Williams: Live on Broadway
In 2002, Robin Williams released his one-man show (and subsequent DVD), Robin Williams: Live on Broadway. In that same year, he was voted 13th on Comedy Central's list of "100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time."
2002: Starred in Insomnia and One Hour Photo
In 2002, Robin Williams starred in the critically acclaimed dramas Insomnia and One Hour Photo.
2002: Cited Peter Sellers as a major influence in interview
In a 2002 interview in London, Robin Williams told Michael Parkinson that Peter Sellers was an important influence, especially his roles in "Dr. Strangelove". He also mentioned Dudley Moore and Peter Cook as influences.
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.
2004: Death of Christopher Reeve
In 2004, Christopher Reeve, a close friend of Robin Williams, passed away.
2004: Role in The Final Cut
In 2004, Robin Williams played a professional who specializes in editing the memories of unsavory people in The Final Cut.
2004: Voted on Comedy Central's list
In 2004, Robin Williams was voted 13th on Comedy Central's list of "100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time."
2005: Voiced Robots
In 2005, Robin Williams lent his voice to the animated film Robots.
2005: Received the 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 honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
2005: The Big White film released
In 2005, Robin Williams worked on the film "The Big White" in Alaska.
2006: Checked into substance-abuse rehabilitation center
In 2006, Robin Williams checked into a substance-abuse rehabilitation center in Newberg, Oregon, acknowledging that he was an alcoholic.
2006: Starred in RV and Night at the Museum
In 2006, Robin Williams starred in RV and Night at the Museum.
2006: Starring in five movies
In 2006, Robin Williams starred in five movies, including Man of the Year, a political satire, and The Night Listener, a thriller.
March 2008: Garces files for divorce
In March 2008, Marsha Garces filed for divorce from Robin Williams, citing irreconcilable differences.
August 2008: Announcement of Weapons of Self-Destruction tour
In August 2008, Robin Williams announced a new 26-city tour, Weapons of Self-Destruction, after a six-year hiatus.
2008: Appearance at Israel's Independence Day celebration
On Israel's 60th Independence Day in 2008, Robin Williams appeared in Times Square, along with several other celebrities, to wish Israel a happy birthday.
March 13, 2009: Underwent 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 and postponed tour due to heart problems
In March 2009, Robin Williams was hospitalized due to heart problems, leading him to postpone his one-man tour. He underwent surgery to replace his aortic valve, repair his mitral valve, and correct his irregular heartbeat.
September 2009: Beginning of Weapons of Self-Destruction tour
In September 2009, Robin Williams began his 26-city tour, Weapons of Self-Destruction, which concluded in New York on December 3.
December 8, 2009: HBO Special on Weapons of Self-Destruction
On December 8, 2009, Robin Williams' Weapons of Self-Destruction tour was the subject of an HBO Special.
2009: Starred in World's Greatest Dad
In 2009, Robin Williams starred in the critically acclaimed drama World's Greatest Dad.
2009: Named a Disney Legend
In 2009, Robin Williams was named a Disney Legend.
2010: Acknowledged failure to maintain sobriety
In 2010, Robin Williams acknowledged his failure to maintain sobriety, but stated that he never returned to using cocaine.
2010: Appearance on Saturday Night Live
In 2010, Robin Williams appeared in a sketch with Robert De Niro on Saturday Night Live.
2010: Donated proceeds to earthquake relief and performed for troops
In 2010, Robin Williams donated all proceeds of his Weapons of Self Destruction Christchurch performance to help rebuild the New Zealand city after the Canterbury earthquake. He also performed with the USO for U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
2010: Divorce from Marsha Garces finalized
In 2010, the divorce between Robin Williams and Marsha Garces was finalized.
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, which opened at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.
2011: Voiced Happy Feet Two
In 2011, Robin Williams lent his voice to the animated film Happy Feet Two.
2011: Marriage to Susan Schneider
In 2011, Robin Williams married graphic designer Susan Schneider.
2011: Involvement in Happy Feet film franchise
Robin Williams continued to be involved in the Happy Feet film franchise in 2011.
2012: Guest-starring in Louie and Wilfred
In 2012, Robin Williams guest-starred as himself in two FX series, Louie and Wilfred.
May 2013: Premiere of The Crazy Ones
In May 2013, CBS started a new series, The Crazy Ones, starring Robin Williams. The show was later canceled after one season.
October 2013: Early symptoms of Lewy Body Disease began
In October 2013, Robin Williams began experiencing early symptoms of Lewy body disease, including a sudden spike in fear, anxiety, stress, and insomnia, which worsened and included memory loss, paranoia, and delusions.
August 11, 2014: Death of Robin Williams
On August 11, 2014, Robin Williams, the American actor and comedian, passed away. He was known for his improvisational skills and character portrayals in both dramas and comedies.
August 2014: Death Ruled as Suicide
In August 2014, Robin Williams was found dead at his home in Paradise Cay, California, at the age of 63. His death was ruled a suicide.
August 21, 2014: Ashes scattered over San Francisco Bay
Following cremation at Monte's Chapel of the Hills in San Anselmo, Robin Williams's ashes were scattered over San Francisco Bay on August 21, 2014.
September 9, 2014: PBS aired a one-hour special devoted to Williams's career
On September 9, 2014, PBS aired a one-hour special devoted to Robin Williams's career.
2014: Comic Relief USA raises $80 million
As of 2014, Comic Relief USA, co-founded by Robin Williams, had raised $80 million for the homeless.
2014: Posthumous Film Releases
Four films starring Robin Williams were released after his death in 2014: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, A Merry Friggin' Christmas, Boulevard, and Absolutely Anything.
2014: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb Released
In 2014, Robin Williams appeared in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.
2014: Biography written by David Itzkoff
In 2014, The New York Times writer David Itzkoff begun working on a biography titled "Robin".
2014: Admitted to Hazelden Foundation for alcoholism treatment
In mid-2014, Robin Williams was admitted to the Hazelden Foundation Addiction Treatment Center in Center City, Minnesota, for treatment for alcoholism.
2015: Iron Maiden dedicated a song to Williams on their album
In 2015, British heavy metal band Iron Maiden dedicated a song to Robin Williams, titled "Tears of a Clown", on their 2015 album The Book of Souls. The song looks into his depression and suicide, and how he attempted to hide his condition from the public.
February 29, 2016: Tunnel named the "Robin Williams Tunnel"
On February 29, 2016, a tunnel painted with a rainbow on Highway 101, north of the Golden Gate Bridge, was officially named the "Robin Williams Tunnel".
2016: Donation of bicycles
In 2016, Robin Williams' children donated 87 of his bicycles in support of the Challenged Athletes Foundation and Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
2017: Sharon Meadow renamed "Robin Williams Meadow"
In 2017, Sharon Meadow in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, the home of the annual Comedy Day, was renamed "Robin Williams Meadow".
2018: HBO documentary and Mural created
In 2018, HBO produced a documentary about his life and career, "Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind". A mural of Robin Williams was also created on Market Street in San Francisco.
2018: Velardi's statement about the relationship with Garces
In the 2018 documentary, Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind, Velardi stated that the relationship with Garces began after she and Williams had separated.
September 2020: Vertical Entertainment released documentary "Robin's Wish"
In September 2020, Vertical Entertainment released a documentary titled "Robin's Wish", directed by Tylor Norwood, which explores Robin Williams's battle with Lewy body dementia.
May 2022: Inducted into the National Comedy Center
In May 2022, Robin Williams was inducted into the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York.
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