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 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.

Sections (5)

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

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: 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."

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.

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, recognizing his contributions to Disney films, particularly his role in 'Aladdin'.

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: Biography of Robin Williams begun

In 2014, The New York Times writer David Itzkoff began work on a biography of Robin Williams.

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.