Robin Williams
Actor, comedian
Born
July 21, 1951
Birthplace
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Nationality
American
Net Worth
$100 million (estate, 2026 est.)
Known For
Good Morning, Vietnam; Dead Poets Society; Mrs. Doubtfire; Aladdin; Good Will Hunting
Robin Williams Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Robin McLaurin Williams |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 21, 1951 |
| Date of Passing | August 11, 2014 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, comedian |
| Years Active | 1972-2014 |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Spouse | Married to Susan Schneider (2011-2014) |
| Children | 3 |
| Net Worth | ~$100 million (estate) |
| Known For | Rapid-fire improv, heartfelt dramatic performances |
Early Life & Background
Williams grew up in Detroit and Marin County, balancing a privileged upbringing with a sharp imagination that blossomed during theater classes at College of Marin and Juilliard. He studied alongside Christopher Reeve under legendary instructor John Houseman before diving into stand-up.
Career Journey
Stand-Up and TV Stardom
After forging his comedic chops in San Francisco and Los Angeles clubs, Williams broke out as Mork in Mork & Mindy (1978-1982). His improvisational prowess made the sitcom a cultural phenomenon and earned him a Golden Globe.
Film Actor with Range
Williams transitioned seamlessly to film with Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, and The Fisher King, delivering dramatic depth while retaining comedic spontaneity. He voiced Genie in Disney's Aladdin (1992), redefining animated voice performances.
Blockbusters and Acclaim
Hits like Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, and Hook showcased his family appeal, while Good Will Hunting (1997) earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Williams continued alternating between indies (One Hour Photo) and mainstream fare (Night at the Museum).
Final Years
Williams battled Lewy body dementia symptoms before his passing in 2014. Posthumous releases such as Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb and Absolutely Anything closed his filmography.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Good Morning, Vietnam | Adrian Cronauer | Oscar nomination |
| 1989 | Dead Poets Society | John Keating | Iconic drama |
| 1991 | The Fisher King | Parry | Golden Globe win |
| 1993 | Mrs. Doubtfire | Daniel Hillard | Family classic |
| 1995 | Jumanji | Alan Parrish | Adventure hit |
| 1997 | Good Will Hunting | Sean Maguire | Academy Award win |
| 2002 | One Hour Photo | Seymour Parrish | Psychological thriller |
| 2006 | Night at the Museum | Theodore Roosevelt | Franchise role |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor - TV Series Comedy | Mork & Mindy | Won |
| 1988 | Academy Awards | Best Actor | Good Morning, Vietnam | Nominated |
| 1992 | Golden Globe Awards | Special Achievement | Aladdin | Won |
| 1998 | Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Good Will Hunting | Won |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$100 million (2026 estate)
Williams' estate continues to earn from film royalties, Disney's Genie licensing, stand-up specials, and merchandising managed by his family trust and charity partners.
Personal Life
Williams cherished fatherhood with children Zak, Zelda, and Cody. He enjoyed cycling across Marin County, collecting miniature figures, and gaming with coworkers between takes. His openness about mental health continues to inspire global conversations.
Philanthropy & Legacy Work
Williams co-founded Comic Relief USA with Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg, raising millions for homelessness. He supported St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, and countless Make-A-Wish visits. His legacy endures through the Robin Williams Legacy of Laughter initiative championing mental health.
Social Media Presence
While Williams passed before social media dominance, his verified legacy accounts curated by family share archival footage, quotes, and charity drives to honor his spirit.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Williams was an avid gamer who frequented video game stores incognito to buy new titles.
- He named his daughter Zelda after the Nintendo franchise he loved.
- Williams often performed surprise stand-up sets for deployed troops via the USO.
- He trained in classical acting and could switch between dozens of accents on command.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
The 2026 documentary Robin's Wish: Letters from Fans premiered at Sundance, featuring tributes curated by Susan Schneider Williams. Disney is remastering Aladdin with a 4K restoration, and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation launched the Robin Williams Caregiver Fund to support Lewy body dementia families.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Robin Williams?
Robin Williams was an American actor and comedian celebrated for improvisational brilliance in stand-up, television, and film.
What was Robin Williams most famous for?
He was most famous for Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, voicing Genie in Aladdin, and winning an Oscar for Good Will Hunting.
Is Robin Williams active on social media?
Williams passed away in 2014, but his estate maintains tribute accounts that share archival clips and charitable initiatives.