How Robin Williams Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Robin Williams continue to shape the world today.

Robin Williams was a highly celebrated American actor and comedian, renowned for his exceptional improvisational talent and diverse character portrayals across both comedic and dramatic roles. Widely considered one of the greatest comedians ever, he earned numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, multiple Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Awards, Grammy Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. His contributions to the entertainment industry were further recognized with the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2005.

Sections (5)

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

1982: Quit drugs and alcohol after Belushi's death

In 1982, the death of John Belushi from a drug overdose, whom Williams partied with the night before, along with the birth of his son Zak, prompted Williams to quit drugs and alcohol. He then turned to exercise and cycling to alleviate his depression.

1992: Playboy interview on work-life balance fears

During a Playboy interview in 1992, Robin Williams discussed his fears of losing his balance between his work and his life, and of losing his creativity. He credited his father for strengthening his self-confidence.

1992: Gilliam's comment on Williams's mind

In 1992, Terry Gilliam commented on Robin Williams's unique and versatile mind.

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."

2009: Named a Disney Legend

In 2009, Robin Williams was named a Disney Legend.

August 11, 2014: Robin Williams Death

August 11, 2014, marks the day of Robin Williams's passing. He was an American actor and comedian known for his improvisational skills.

August 2014: Death Ruled as Suicide

In August 2014, Robin Williams was found dead at his home in Paradise Cay, California, at age 63, and his death was ruled a suicide. He had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and had been experiencing depression, anxiety, and increasing paranoia.

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: Biography started by David Itzkoff

In 2014, The New York Times writer David Itzkoff began working on a biography of Robin Williams, which was published four years later titled, Robin.

2014: Films Released After 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.

Loading Video...

2015: Iron Maiden dedicated "Tears of a Clown" to Williams

In 2015, the 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 explores his depression and suicide, and how he attempted to hide his condition from the public.

Loading Video...

February 29, 2016: Tunnel named "Robin Williams Tunnel"

On February 29, 2016, a tunnel on Highway 101 north of the Golden Gate Bridge, painted with a rainbow, was officially named the "Robin Williams Tunnel".

2016: Bicycle Donation

In 2016, Robin Williams' children donated 87 of his bicycles to 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 Robin Williams's life and career titled Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind, which was also screened at the Sundance Film Festival. That same year, a mural of Robin Williams was created on Market Street in San Francisco.

Loading Video...

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, the film explores Williams's battle with Lewy body dementia.

Loading Video...