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 amassed numerous awards, including an Academy Award, multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Awards, and several Grammy and Screen Actors Guild Awards. In 2005, he received the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award, solidifying his lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Sections (5)

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

1989: Role in Dead Poets Society

In 1989, Robin Williams played an English teacher in Dead Poets Society, a role that inspired a generation and became part of pop culture.

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1992: Playboy Interview on Balancing Work and Life

During a 1992 Playboy interview, Robin Williams discussed his fear of losing his creative abilities and sharpness, and credited his father for instilling the self-confidence to speak about important subjects.

1992: Gilliam's comments on Williams' unique mind

In 1992, Terry Gilliam commented on Robin Williams's unique talent and ability to transition between manic, mad, tender, and vulnerable states.

2002: Influence of Peter Sellers

In a 2002 interview in London with Michael Parkinson, Robin Williams cited Peter Sellers, Dudley Moore and Peter Cook as important influences, particularly Sellers's roles in Dr. Strangelove.

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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: Cecil B. DeMille Award

In 2005, Robin Williams was awarded the Cecil B. DeMille Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

2009: Named a Disney Legend

In 2009, Robin Williams was named a Disney Legend for his contributions, including his iconic role as the Genie in Aladdin.

August 21, 2014: Ashes Scattered Over San Francisco Bay

On August 21, 2014, Robin Williams's ashes were scattered over San Francisco Bay following his cremation at Monte's Chapel of the Hills in San Anselmo.

September 9, 2014: PBS Special Aired

On September 9, 2014, PBS aired a one-hour special devoted to Robin Williams's career.

2014: Posthumous film releases

After Robin Williams's death in 2014, four films starring him were released: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, A Merry Friggin' Christmas, Boulevard, and Absolutely Anything, demonstrating his lasting legacy in the film industry.

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2014: Comic Relief raised $80 million

By 2014, Comic Relief USA, co-founded by Robin Williams, had raised $80 million to aid the homeless, demonstrating the significant impact of the organization.

2014: Biography begun by David Itzkoff

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

2015: "Tears of a Clown" Song Dedicated by Iron Maiden

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.

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February 29, 2016: "Robin Williams Tunnel" named

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

2016: Donation of bicycles

In 2016, Robin Williams's children donated 87 of his bicycles to support the Challenged Athletes Foundation and Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, honoring his passion for cycling and charitable causes.

2017: "Robin Williams Meadow" renamed

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 Publication

In 2018, HBO produced a documentary about Robin Williams's life, titled Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind, and David Itzkoff's biography, Robin, was published.

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