Robin Williams

About

Robin Williams was an American actor and comedian, famous for his improvisational skills and a wide array of voices. He was born on July 21, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois. Williams studied acting at the Juilliard School in New York City, after which he started his career performing stand-up comedy during the 1970s. He gained prominence with his role as Mork in the TV series "Mork & Mindy" before making it big in Hollywood. Known for both comedic and dramatic roles, his notable films include "Good Morning, Vietnam", "Dead Poets Society", "Mrs. Doubtfire", and "Good Will Hunting" for which he won an Academy Award. Williams struggled with depression for much of his life and tragically took his own life on August 11, 2014. His death left a great void in Hollywood and he is widely remembered as one of the most loved performers in the film industry.

Associated With

Robin Williams had an extensive and influential career in the industry, connecting with many great talents over the years. He worked with acclaimed directors such as Steven Spielberg in "Hook" and Christopher Nolan in "Insomnia." Williams had a notably close relationship with fellow comedian and actor, Billy Crystal, both often collaborating on charity events and television specials. He also maintained a deep friendship with actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck whilst working on the Oscar-winning film "Good Will Hunting." Despite his largely private personal life, Williams’s three marriages were public, with his final marriage to graphic designer Susan Schneider lasting until his death. He remained an influential figure in the comedy world, mentoring younger comedians like Eddie Murphy and Jim Carrey. Williams' devotion to philanthropy also led to connections with organizations like Comic Relief USA, which raised money for those in need. Overall, Williams' associations spanned across various sectors in the industry, demonstrating his versatility and admirable dedication to his craft.

Career Highlights

• 1978: Robin Williams gained nationwide fame with his role as the alien Mork in the television series "Mork & Mindy."
• 1980: He made his big screen debut in "Popeye".
• 1987: Williams captivates audience with his dramatic potential in "Good Morning, Vietnam" and received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
• 1989: He received his second Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in "Dead Poets Society".
• 1991: He garnered his third Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards for his performance in "The Fisher King".
• 1992: Robin Williams provided the voice for the Genie in Disney's hit animated film "Aladdin".
• 1993: He starred in the celebrated family movie "Mrs. Doubtfire".
• 1995: Williams key role in the adventure film "Jumanji".
• 1997: Winning his first and only Academy Award, Williams took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his touching performance in "Good Will Hunting".
• 2002: He showed his darker side to the audience in movies like "One Hour Photo" and "Insomnia".
• 2014: Williams starred in his last film, "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb", before sadly passing away that same year.

Notable Awards

• Robin Williams, well known for his exceptional acting and comedy, received numerous awards during his career, including:
• Academy Award (Oscar) - Best Supporting Actor for "Good Will Hunting" (1998)
• Golden Globe Awards - Best Actor in a Motion Picture Comedy/Musical for "Good Morning, Vietnam" (1988), "The Fisher King" (1992), "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1994), and "Aladdin" (1993).
• Globe Globe Award - Cecil B. DeMille Award For Lifetime Achievement in Motion Pictures (2005).
• Grammy Awards - Best Recording for Children for "Pecos Bill" (1989), Best Comedy Album for "Good Morning, Vietnam" (1989), "A Night at the Met" (1987), and "Reality...What a Concept" (1979).
• Primetime Emmy Awards - Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program for "ABC Presents: A Royal Gala" (1988) and "Carol, Carl, Whoopi and Robin" (1987).
• It's also worth noting that he was nominated for numerous other awards. He's considered one of the greatest comedians and actors of his time.

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular Robin Williams Movie/TV Show?

One of the most popular and beloved movies of Robin Williams is "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993). This film is a family comedy where Williams' extraordinary comedic talent truly shines as he disguises himself as a lovable British nanny to spend time with his children amid a bitter divorce. Nevertheless, Robin Williams' award-winning performance in "Good Will Hunting" (1997) cannot be overlooked, for which he won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Notably, he is also unanimously celebrated for lending his voice to the Genie in Disney's animated hit "Aladdin" (1992). As for TV, the sitcom "Mork & Mindy" (1978-1982), which first introduced his comedic brilliance to the mainstream audience, remains the highlight.

How Did Robin Williams Get Famous?

Robin Williams gained fame primarily as a stand-up comedian and actor. His breakthrough came from his role as the eccentric alien in the TV show "Mork & Mindy" in the late 1970s. Williams' unique ability to improvise, combined with his rapid-fire humor and memorable character voices, quickly made him a household name. He went on to have a hugely successful career in both comedies and dramatic films, with significant roles in movies such as "Good Morning, Vietnam", "Dead Poets Society", "Mrs. Doubtfire", and "Good Will Hunting", for which he won an Academy Award. Williams' talent, versatility, and heartwarming personality captivated audiences worldwide contributing to his enduring fame.