History of Robin Williams in Timeline
Robin Williams was a highly acclaimed American actor and comedian, celebrated for his remarkable improvisational talent and diverse character portrayals in both comedic and dramatic roles. Widely regarded as one of history's greatest comedians, he received an Academy Award, multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Awards, and several Grammy and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Williams also earned the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2005, solidifying his legacy in the entertainment industry.
1906: Birth Year of Father, Robert Fitzgerald Williams
Robert Fitzgerald Williams, Robin Williams' father, was born in 1906.
1922: Birth Year of Mother, Laurie McLaurin
Laurie McLaurin, Robin Williams' mother, was born in 1922.
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: Attends Juilliard School
In 1973, Robin Williams received a full scholarship to attend the Juilliard School in New York City.
1974: Summer Job at The Trident
During the summer of 1974, Robin Williams worked as a busboy at The Trident in Sausalito, California.
1975: Summer Job at The Trident
During the summer of 1975, Robin Williams worked as a busboy at The Trident in Sausalito, California.
1975: Ran a 10K in Central Park
In 1975, Robin Williams, part of the West Side YMCA runners club, ran a 10K in Central Park in 34:21 minutes.
1976: Summer Job at The Trident and Leaves Juilliard
During the summer of 1976, Robin Williams worked as a busboy at The Trident in Sausalito, California. Also in 1976 he left Juilliard.
1976: Stand-up comedy in San Francisco
In 1976, Robin Williams began performing stand-up comedy in the San Francisco Bay Area, giving his first performance at the Holy City Zoo.
1976: Leaves Juilliard School
In 1976, Robin Williams left Juilliard School during his junior year, on the suggestion of John Houseman.
1976: Met Valerie Velardi
In 1976, Robin Williams met Valerie Velardi while working as a bartender in San Francisco.
1977: Small part in Can I Do It... 'Til I Need Glasses?
In 1977, Robin Williams had a small film role in the low-budget comedy Can I Do It... 'Til I Need Glasses?.
1977: First TV Appearance
In 1977, Robin Williams made his debut TV appearance on a revival of the show Laugh-In, after being spotted at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles.
1978: HBO comedy special: Off The Wall
In 1978, Robin Williams did his first HBO comedy special called Off The Wall.
1978: Mork & Mindy Debut
In 1978, Robin Williams gained widespread recognition for his role as Mork in the ABC sitcom Mork & Mindy.
1978: Married Valerie Velardi
In 1978, Robin Williams married actress Valerie Velardi.
1978: Cast as Mork in Happy Days
In 1978, Robin Williams was cast as the alien Mork in an episode of the TV series Happy Days, which led to the spin-off Mork & Mindy.
March 12, 1979: Cover of Time Magazine
On March 12, 1979, Robin Williams appeared on the cover of Time magazine due to the success of Mork & Mindy.
August 23, 1979: Cover of Rolling Stone
On August 23, 1979, Robin Williams was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
1979: Grammy Award for Reality...What a Concept
In 1979, Robin Williams won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for his live show at the Copacabana in New York City, Reality... What a Concept.
1980: First Leading Film Role in Popeye
In 1980, Robin Williams received his first leading film role in Popeye.
1980: Stars in Popeye
In 1980, Robin Williams starred in Popeye, his first starring performance in a film.
1982: Stars in The World According to Garp
In 1982, Robin Williams starred as the lead character in The World According to Garp.
1982: John Belushi's Death and Sobriety
In 1982, the death of John Belushi from a drug overdose, whom Williams partied with the night before, coupled with the birth of his son Zak, led Robin Williams to quit drugs and alcohol. He used exercise and cycling to cope with depression and maintain sobriety after Belushi's death in 1982.
1982: Mork & Mindy Series End
In 1982, the television series Mork & Mindy, starring Robin Williams, came to an end.
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 did an HBO comedy special called An Evening with Robin Williams.
1983: Stars 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 "Moscow on the Hudson".
1984: Stars in Moscow on the Hudson
In 1984, Robin Williams starred in 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 did an HBO comedy special called A Night at the Met.
1986: Stars in Club Paradise
In 1986, Robin Williams starred in Club Paradise.
1986: Established Comic Relief USA
In 1986, Robin Williams, along with Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal, established Comic Relief USA.
1986: Alleged affair with Marsha Garces
In 1986, it was reported that Robin Williams began an affair with Zachary's nanny, Marsha Garces.
1987: Oscar Nomination for Good Morning, Vietnam
In 1987, Robin Williams received an Oscar nomination for his role in Good Morning, Vietnam.
1987: 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.
1987: Death of Father, Robert Fitzgerald Williams
In 1987, Robin Williams's father, Robert Fitzgerald Williams, who was a senior executive in Ford's Lincoln-Mercury Division, passed away.
1988: Divorced Valerie Velardi
In 1988, Robin Williams and Valerie Velardi divorced.
1988: Acted in Waiting for Godot and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
In 1988, Robin Williams appeared in "Waiting for Godot" opposite Steve Martin and acted in the movie The Adventures of Baron Munchausen.
April 30, 1989: Married Marsha Garces
On April 30, 1989, Robin Williams married Marsha Garces, who was six months pregnant with their first child.
1989: Oscar Nomination for Dead Poets Society
In 1989, Robin Williams earned another Oscar nomination for his performance in Dead Poets Society.
1989: Starred in Dead Poets Society
In 1989, Robin Williams played an English teacher in "Dead Poets Society", a role that some critics said "inspired a generation".
1990: Starred in Awakenings
In 1990, Robin Williams starred in "Awakenings", playing a doctor modeled after Oliver Sacks.
1991: Birth of Cody Alan
In 1991, Robin Williams and Marsha Garces had their second child, Cody Alan.
1991: Acted in Hook and The Fisher King
In 1991, Robin Williams played an adult Peter Pan in the film "Hook", and also starred 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: 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 on Work-Life Balance
During a Playboy interview in 1992, Robin Williams discussed his fears about losing his creativity and sharpness, and credited his father for instilling self-confidence in him to overcome those risks.
1992: Lent his voice to FernGully: The Last Rainforest
In 1992, Robin Williams lent his voice to "FernGully: The Last Rainforest".
1992: Stars in Toys and Aladdin
In 1992, Robin Williams starred in Toys and also lent his voice to the animated film Aladdin.
1992: Voiced the Genie in Aladdin
In 1992, Robin Williams voiced the Genie in the animated musical "Aladdin", improvising much of his dialogue and impersonating dozens of celebrities.
1992: Golden Globe for Vocal Work in Aladdin
In 1992, Robin Williams won a Special Golden Globe Award for Vocal Work in a Motion Picture for his role as Genie in Aladdin.
1992: Gilliam comment on Williams's ability
In 1992, Terry Gilliam commented on Robin Williams's ability to go from manic to mad to tender and vulnerable.
1993: Stars in Mrs. Doubtfire
In 1993, Robin Williams starred in Mrs. Doubtfire.
1993: 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: Did not sign up for The Return of Jafar
In 1994, due to a broken agreement with Disney, Robin Williams refused to sign for "The Return of Jafar", a direct-to-video sequel to Aladdin.
1996: Reprised the role in Aladdin and the King of Thieves
In 1996, Robin Williams reprised his role as the Genie in the second sequel to Aladdin, "Aladdin and the King of Thieves".
1996: Stars in The Birdcage and Jack
In 1996, Robin Williams starred in The Birdcage and Jack.
1997: Appeared in an episode of Friends
In 1997, Robin Williams appeared with Billy Crystal in an unscripted cameo on an episode of "Friends".
1997: Starred in Good Will Hunting
In 1997, Robin Williams starred as a therapist in "Good Will Hunting", deeply affecting even some real therapists.
1997: Starred in Deconstructing Harry
In 1997, Robin Williams starred in "Deconstructing Harry", directed by Woody Allen.
1997: Academy Award for Good Will Hunting
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 had a dramatic performance in "What Dreams May Come".
1998: Starred in Patch Adams
In 1998, Robin Williams starred in "Patch Adams", a comedy tinged with pathos.
December 1999: Sang on charity single
In December 1999, Robin Williams sang in French on the BBC-inspired music video of international celebrities doing a cover of The Rolling Stones single "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 had a dramatic performance in "Bicentennial Man".
April 2000: Hosted talk show for Audible
In April 2000, Robin Williams hosted a talk show for Audible.
2001: Voiced 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".
2001: Death of Mother, Laurie McLaurin
In 2001, Robin Williams's mother, Laurie McLaurin, a former model, passed away. During a television interview on Inside the Actor's Studio that same year, Williams credited his mother as an important influence on his humor.
July 2002: Headlined 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: Influence of Peter Sellers
During an interview in London in 2002, Robin Williams mentioned Peter Sellers was an important influence. He also mentioned Dudley Moore and Peter Cook.
2002: Stars in Insomnia and One Hour Photo
In 2002, Robin Williams starred in both Insomnia and One Hour Photo.
2002: Robin Williams: Live on Broadway
In 2002, the Robin Williams: Live on Broadway show was released on DVD.
2003: Relapse into Alcoholism
In 2003, Robin Williams relapsed and 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 since their time at Juilliard, passed away.
2004: Starred in The Final Cut
In 2004, Robin Williams starred in the science fiction psychological thriller "The Final Cut".
2004: Ranked 13th 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: Voice Role in Robots
In 2005, Robin Williams lent his voice to the animated film Robots.
2005: Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 2005, Robin Williams received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award.
2005: The Big White Release
In 2005, Robin Williams starred in the film "The Big White", a project he was working on in Alaska. He had started drinking again while filming this movie in 2003.
2006: Rehabilitation Center Check-in
In 2006, Robin Williams checked himself into a substance-abuse rehabilitation center in Newberg, Oregon, acknowledging his alcoholism.
2006: Stars in RV, Happy Feet and Night at the Museum
In 2006, Robin Williams starred in RV, lent his voice to Happy Feet, and appeared in Night at the Museum.
2006: Starred in five movies
In 2006, Robin Williams starred in five movies, including "Man of the Year" and "The Night Listener".
March 2008: Marsha Garces filed for divorce
In March 2008, Marsha Garces filed for divorce from Robin Williams, citing irreconcilable differences.
August 2008: Announced Weapons of Self-Destruction tour
In August 2008, Robin Williams announced a new 26-city tour, "Weapons of Self-Destruction."
2008: Appeared in Times Square for Israel's Independence Day
In 2008, Robin Williams appeared in Times Square, along with several other celebrities, to wish Israel a happy 60th birthday.
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: Hospitalization for Heart Problems
In March 2009, Robin Williams was hospitalized due to heart problems, leading to the postponement of his one-man tour.
September 2009: Began Weapons of Self-Destruction tour
In September 2009, Robin Williams began his "Weapons of Self-Destruction" tour.
December 8, 2009: HBO Special on Weapons of Self-Destruction Tour
On December 8, 2009, Robin Williams's "Weapons of Self-Destruction" tour was the subject of an HBO Special.
2009: Stars in World's Greatest Dad
In 2009, Robin Williams starred in World's Greatest Dad.
2009: Named a Disney Legend
In 2009, Robin Williams was named a Disney Legend.
2010: Acknowledged Sobriety Failure
In 2010, Robin Williams acknowledged his failure to maintain sobriety but stated he had never returned to using cocaine.
2010: Appeared on Saturday Night Live
In 2010, Robin Williams appeared in a sketch with Robert De Niro on "Saturday Night Live".
2010: Donation to Christchurch earthquake relief
In 2010, Robin Williams donated all proceeds from his Weapons of Self Destruction Christchurch performance to help rebuild the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, following the earthquake. Half of the donation was given to the Red Cross, and the other half to the mayoral building fund.
2010: Divorce from Marsha Garces finalized
In 2010, Robin Williams's divorce from Marsha Garces was finalized.
March 31, 2011: Broadway acting debut in Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
On March 31, 2011, Robin Williams made his Broadway acting debut in "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo".
2011: Happy Feet film franchise
From 2006 to 2011, Robin Williams provided voices for the Happy Feet film franchise
2011: Married Susan Schneider
In 2011, Robin Williams married graphic designer Susan Schneider.
2011: Voice role in Happy Feet Two
In 2011, Robin Williams reprised his voice role in Happy Feet Two.
2012: Guest-starred in Louie and Wilfred
In 2012, Robin Williams guest-starred as himself in two FX series, "Louie" and "Wilfred".
May 2013: Starred in The Crazy Ones
In May 2013, Robin Williams starred in a new CBS series, "The Crazy Ones", which was canceled after one season.
October 2013: Onset of Lewy Body Disease Symptoms
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 progressively worsened to include memory loss, paranoia, and delusions.
August 11, 2014: Robin Williams' Death
August 11, 2014, marked the passing of Robin Williams, an acclaimed American actor and comedian known for his improvisational skills and diverse character portrayals.
August 2014: Robin Williams' Death
In August 2014, Robin Williams passed away at his home in Paradise Cay, California, at the age of 63, with his death ruled as a suicide after struggling with substance abuse, severe depression, and being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and diffuse Lewy body disease.
August 21, 2014: Ashes Scattered Over San Francisco Bay
On August 21, 2014, Robin Williams's body was cremated, and his ashes were scattered over San Francisco Bay.
September 9, 2014: PBS Special Aired
On September 9, 2014, PBS aired a one-hour special devoted to Robin Williams's career.
2014: Comic Relief USA raised $80 million
By 2014, Comic Relief USA, co-founded by Robin Williams, had raised $80 million for the homeless.
2014: Stars in Night at the Museum
In 2014, Robin Williams starred in Night at the Museum.
2014: Biography Started by David Itzkoff
In 2014, The New York Times writer David Itzkoff began working on a biography of Robin Williams.
2014: Four films released after his death
In 2014, four films starring Robin Williams were released after his death: "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb", "A Merry Friggin' Christmas", "Boulevard", and "Absolutely Anything".
2014: Admission to 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.
2015: Iron Maiden Song "Tears of a Clown" Released
In 2015, British heavy metal band Iron Maiden dedicated a song to Robin Williams, titled "Tears of a Clown", on their album The Book of Souls. The song addresses his depression and suicide.
February 29, 2016: "Robin Williams Tunnel" Dedication
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: Children donated his bicycles
In 2016, Robin Williams' children donated 87 of his bicycles to support the Challenged Athletes Foundation and Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
2017: "Robin Williams Meadow" Renaming
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 Biography Release
In 2018, HBO produced a documentary about Robin Williams's life and career, titled Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind, and The New York Times writer David Itzkoff published his biography titled Robin.
2018: Velardi documentary: Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind
In the 2018 documentary, Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind, Valerie Velardi stated that Robin Williams's relationship with Garces began after they had separated.
September 2020: "Robin's Wish" Documentary Release
In September 2020, Vertical Entertainment released a documentary titled Robin's Wish, which explores Robin Williams's battle with Lewy body dementia.
May 2022: Induction into National Comedy Center
In May 2022, Robin Williams was inducted into the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York.
