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 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.

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, 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.

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.

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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 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.

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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.

1997: Role in Good Will Hunting

In 1997, Robin Williams played a therapist in Good Will Hunting, which deeply affected even some real therapists.

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2009: Named a Disney Legend

In 2009, Robin Williams was named a Disney Legend.

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: 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.

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2014: Biography written by David Itzkoff

In 2014, The New York Times writer David Itzkoff begun working on a biography titled "Robin".

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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.

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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.

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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.

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