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 across both comedic and dramatic roles. Widely regarded as one of the greatest comedians ever, he earned numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Awards, and Grammy Awards. His contributions to the entertainment industry were further recognized with the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2005.
1975: Ran a 10K in Central Park
In 1975, Robin Williams ran a 10K in Central Park with a time of 34:21 minutes as part of the West Side YMCA runners club.
1976: Met Valerie Velardi
In 1976, Robin Williams met Valerie Velardi while working as a bartender in San Francisco.
1978: Married Valerie Velardi
In 1978, Robin Williams married actress Valerie Velardi.
1982: Quit Drugs and Alcohol After Belushi's Death
In 1982, the shock of John Belushi's death, 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 shortly after Belushi's death.
1983: Birth of Zachary Pym
In 1983, Robin Williams and Valerie Velardi's son, Zachary Pym, was born.
1984: Acted in Moscow on the Hudson
In 1984, Robin Williams gave a dramatic performance in 'Moscow on the Hudson'.
1986: Co-hosted the 58th Academy Awards
In 1986, Robin Williams co-hosted the 58th Academy Awards ceremony, marking a significant public appearance in his career.
1986: Co-founded 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 Marsha Garces, his son's nanny.
1987: Appeared in Carol, Carl, Whoopi and Robin and Good Morning, Vietnam
In 1987, Robin Williams appeared in the sketch comedy special 'Carol, Carl, Whoopi and Robin' alongside Carol Burnett, Carl Reiner, and Whoopi Goldberg. Also in 1987, he starred in 'Good Morning, Vietnam' as Adrian Cronauer, a role that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
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: Divorced Valerie Velardi
In 1988, Robin Williams and Valerie Velardi were divorced.
1988: Appeared in Waiting for Godot and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
In 1988, Robin Williams appeared opposite Steve Martin in 'Waiting for Godot' at Lincoln Center and appeared in '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: Starred in Dead Poets Society
In 1989, Robin Williams starred as an English teacher in 'Dead Poets Society', a film known for its emotional impact.
1990: Starred in Awakenings
In 1990, Robin Williams played a doctor based on Oliver Sacks in the movie 'Awakenings'.
1991: Birth of Cody Alan
In 1991, Robin Williams and Marsha Garces's second child, Cody Alan, was born.
1991: Starred in Hook and The Fisher King
In 1991, Robin Williams played an adult Peter Pan in the film 'Hook'. He also appeared 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 fears of losing balance
During a Playboy interview in 1992, Robin Williams discussed his fears of losing balance between his work and his life, and the importance of expressing himself creatively.
1992: Lent his voice to FernGully: The Last Rainforest
In 1992, Robin Williams lent his voice to 'FernGully: The Last Rainforest'.
1992: Voiced the Genie in Aladdin
In 1992, Robin Williams voiced the Genie in Disney's 'Aladdin', improvising much of his dialogue and impersonating numerous celebrities. The movie became the highest-grossing film of the year, and Williams received a Special Golden Globe Award for Vocal Work in a Motion Picture for his role.
1992: Won Golden Globe for 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 quote on Williams
In 1992, Terry Gilliam said Robin Williams had the ability to "go from manic to mad to tender and vulnerable... [Williams had] the most unique mind on the planet. There's nobody like him out there."
1993: Starred in Mrs. Doubtfire
In 1993, Robin Williams starred in 'Mrs. Doubtfire', a comedy with pathos, showcasing his versatility.
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: Refused to sign for The Return of Jafar
In 1994, Robin Williams refused to sign on for 'The Return of Jafar' due to Disney violating an agreement regarding the use of the Genie in advertising, resulting in Dan Castellaneta voicing the Genie instead.
1996: Reprised role in Aladdin and the King of Thieves
In 1996, after a public apology from Disney, Robin Williams reprised his role as the Genie in 'Aladdin and the King of Thieves'.
1997: Appeared in an episode of Friends
In 1997, Robin Williams appeared with Billy Crystal in an unscripted cameo in an episode of the third season of 'Friends'.
1997: Starred in Good Will Hunting
In 1997, Robin Williams starred as a therapist in 'Good Will Hunting', delivering a performance that deeply affected audiences.
1997: Acted in Deconstructing Harry
In 1997, Robin Williams starred in the movie 'Deconstructing Harry' directed by Woody Allen.
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: Starred in Patch Adams
In 1998, Robin Williams starred in 'Patch Adams', a comedy with pathos.
1998: Starred in What Dreams May Come
In 1998, Robin Williams starred in 'What Dreams May Come'.
December 1999: Sang in French on BBC-inspired music video
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: Starred in Bicentennial Man
In 1999, Robin Williams starred in 'Bicentennial Man'.
April 2000: Hosted talk show for Audible
In April 2000, Robin Williams hosted a talk show for Audible, available exclusively on their website.
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'.
July 2002: Starred in Robin Williams: Live on Broadway
In July 2002, Robin Williams headlined his one-man show, 'Robin Williams: Live on Broadway', at the Broadway Theatre.
2002: Discussed Peter Sellers as an important influence
During an interview in London in 2002, Robin Williams told Michael Parkinson that Peter Sellers was an important influence, especially his multi-character roles in Dr. Strangelove.
2002: Robin Williams: Live on Broadway DVD Release
In 2002, Robin Williams's one-man show, 'Robin Williams: Live on Broadway', was a success, indicating the continuous popularity of his stand-up work.
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: Acted in The Final Cut
In 2004, Robin Williams played a professional who specializes in editing the memories of unsavory people into uncritical memorials in the science fiction psychological thriller, 'The Final Cut'.
2004: Ranked 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: Provided voices in Robots
In 2005, Robin Williams provided voices in the animated film 'Robots'.
2005: Received Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 2005, Robin Williams received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award.
2005: Release of 'The Big White'
In 2005, the film The Big White, in which Robin Williams starred, was released.
2006: Checked into substance-abuse rehabilitation center
In 2006, Robin Williams checked in to a substance-abuse rehabilitation center in Newberg, Oregon, acknowledging he was an alcoholic.
2006: Starred in five movies and Happy Feet franchise
In 2006, Robin Williams starred in five movies, including 'Man of the Year' and 'The Night Listener', and also voiced characters in the 'Happy Feet' film franchise.
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 his new 26-city tour, 'Weapons of Self-Destruction', after a six-year hiatus from touring.
2008: Appeared at Israel's 60th Independence Day celebration
In 2008, Robin Williams appeared in Times Square with other celebrities to wish Israel a happy 60th birthday.
March 13, 2009: Heart surgery completed
On March 13, 2009, Robin Williams completed surgery at the Cleveland Clinic to replace his aortic valve, repair his mitral valve, and correct his irregular heartbeat.
March 2009: Hospitalized due to heart problems
In March 2009, Robin Williams was hospitalized due to heart problems, leading him to postpone his one-man tour for surgery.
September 2009: Began Weapons of Self-Destruction tour
At the end of September 2009, Robin Williams began his 'Weapons of Self-Destruction' tour.
December 8, 2009: HBO Special: Weapons of Self-Destruction
On December 8, 2009, Robin Williams's 'Weapons of Self-Destruction' tour was the subject of an HBO Special.
2009: Named a Disney Legend
In 2009, Robin Williams was named a Disney Legend, recognizing his contributions to Disney films, particularly his role in 'Aladdin'.
2010: Appeared on Saturday Night Live
In 2010, Robin Williams appeared in a sketch with Robert De Niro on 'Saturday Night Live'.
2010: Divorce from Marsha Garces finalized
In 2010, Robin Williams's divorce from Marsha Garces was finalized.
2010: Donation after Canterbury earthquake
In 2010, in response to the Canterbury earthquake, Robin Williams donated all proceeds of his Weapons of Self Destruction Christchurch performance to help rebuild the New Zealand city. Half the proceeds were donated to the Red Cross and half to the mayoral building fund.
2010: Acknowledged failure to maintain sobriety
In a 2010 interview, Robin Williams acknowledged his failure to maintain sobriety, but said that he never returned to using cocaine.
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', receiving a Drama League Award nomination for his performance.
2011: Married Susan Schneider
In 2011, Robin Williams married graphic designer Susan Schneider, and they remained married until his death.
2011: Happy Feet film franchise
Robin Williams continued to provide voices in the 'Happy Feet' film franchise until 2011.
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, CBS started airing 'The Crazy Ones', starring Robin Williams; however, the series was canceled after one season.
October 2013: Early symptoms of Lewy Body Disease began
In October 2013, Robin Williams experienced the early symptoms of Lewy body disease, including a sudden and prolonged spike in fear, anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
August 21, 2014: Ashes Scattered Over San Francisco Bay
Following his cremation, Robin Williams's ashes were scattered over San Francisco Bay on August 21, 2014.
September 9, 2014: PBS aired a one-hour special
On September 9, 2014, PBS aired a one-hour special devoted to Robin Williams's career.
2014: Comic Relief USA raised $80 million as of 2014
As of 2014, Comic Relief USA, co-founded by Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal, had raised $80 million for the homeless.
2014: Biography of Robin Williams begun
In 2014, The New York Times writer David Itzkoff began work on a biography of Robin Williams.
2014: Four films released after his death
In 2014, four films starring Robin Williams were released posthumously: 'Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb', 'A Merry Friggin' Christmas', 'Boulevard', and 'Absolutely Anything'.
2014: Admitted to Hazelden Foundation 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 dedicated a song to Robin Williams
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.
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: 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: 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 'Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind' released
In 2018, HBO produced a documentary about Robin Williams's life and career, titled Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind, which was also screened at the Sundance Film Festival.
2018: Velardi stated the relationship with Garces began after separation
In 2018, Valerie Velardi stated in the documentary 'Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind' that the relationship with Marsha Garces began after she and Robin Williams had separated.
September 2020: Documentary 'Robin's Wish' Released
In September 2020, Vertical Entertainment released a documentary titled Robin's Wish, 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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