Robin Williams: Difference between revisions
Coolcaesar (talk | contribs) →Death: Fixing clear vandalism. Both sources cited (and many others) explain that Williams was cremated and scattered on August 12. Yes, it is legal to do it that fast in California once autopsy is complete. |
WorldWideNut (talk | contribs) YOU ARE WRONG!!! QUIT VANDALIZING WIKIPEDIA!!! |
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===Childhood=== |
===Childhood=== |
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Williams was born at [[St. Luke's Hospital (Chicago, Illinois)|St. Luke's Hospital]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Chicago Native Robin Williams Recalled 'Good Times' Growing Up Here|url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/08/11/chicago-native-robin-williams-dead-at-63/|publisher=CBS Local|accessdate=August 18, 2014|date = August 11, 2014|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140812024934/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/08/11/chicago-native-robin-williams-dead-at-63/|archivedate = August 12, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> in [[Chicago, Illinois]]. His mother, Laurie McLaurin (1922–2001), was a former model from [[Jackson, Mississippi]], whose great-grandfather was Mississippi senator and governor [[Anselm J. McLaurin]].<ref name="lauriewilliams">{{cite news|url=http://articles.sfgate.com/2001-09-08/news/17615883_1_christian-science-elvis-impersonator-modeling |title=Laurie Williams – comedian's mother|work=San Francisco Chronicle |date=September 8, 2001 |accessdate=November 25, 2011 |first=Steve |last=Rubenstein|archivedate = October 9, 2014|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20141009141842/http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Laurie-Williams-comedian-s-mother-2880676.php|deadurl = no}}</ref> Williams' |
Williams was born at [[St. Luke's Hospital (Chicago, Illinois)|St. Luke's Hospital]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Chicago Native Robin Williams Recalled 'Good Times' Growing Up Here|url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/08/11/chicago-native-robin-williams-dead-at-63/|publisher=CBS Local|accessdate=August 18, 2014|date = August 11, 2014|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140812024934/http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/08/11/chicago-native-robin-williams-dead-at-63/|archivedate = August 12, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> in [[Chicago, Illinois]]. His mother, Laurie McLaurin (1922–2001), was a former model from [[Jackson, Mississippi]], whose great-grandfather was Mississippi senator and governor [[Anselm J. McLaurin]].<ref name="lauriewilliams">{{cite news|url=http://articles.sfgate.com/2001-09-08/news/17615883_1_christian-science-elvis-impersonator-modeling |title=Laurie Williams – comedian's mother|work=San Francisco Chronicle |date=September 8, 2001 |accessdate=November 25, 2011 |first=Steve |last=Rubenstein|archivedate = October 9, 2014|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20141009141842/http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Laurie-Williams-comedian-s-mother-2880676.php|deadurl = no}}</ref> Williams' father, Robert Fitzgerald Williams, was a senior executive in [[Ford Motor Company]]'s [[Lincoln Motor Company|Lincoln-Mercury Division]].<ref name="Kornbluth">{{cite news|last1=Kornbluth|first1=Jesse|title=Robin Williams' Change Of Life: Fighting For His Family In His New Film, 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' And In Real Life|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=axsAAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA34|accessdate=August 20, 2014|work=New York Magazine|publisher=K-III Magazine Corporation|date=November 22, 1993|pages=34–41}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Shipman |first=Robert |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/aug/13/genealogy-buffs-find-williams-roots-in-evansville/ |title=Genealogy buffs find Williams' roots in Evansville |publisher=Washington Times |date=August 13, 2014 |accessdate=August 15, 2014|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140814030803/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/aug/13/genealogy-buffs-find-williams-roots-in-evansville/|archivedate = August 14, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> Williams had two elder half-brothers, Robert and McLaurin.<ref>{{cite web | last = McLellan | first = Dennis | url = http://articles.latimes.com/2007/aug/18/local/me-williams18 | title = R. Todd Williams, 69; winery founder, comic's brother |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] | date = August 18, 2007 |accessdate=February 10, 2008 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20141006142235/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/aug/18/local/me-williams18|archivedate = October 6, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Donahue|first1=Michael|title=Robin Williams' Half-brother Is An All-out Fan|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1991-12-25/features/9104250678_1_robin-williams-peter-pan-todd-williams|accessdate=October 20, 2014|work=Chicago Tribune|date=December 25, 1991|agency = Scripps Howard News Service|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140814053727/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1991-12-25/features/9104250678_1_robin-williams-peter-pan-todd-williams|archivedate = August 14, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> While his mother was a practitioner of [[Christian Science]], Williams was raised as an [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopalian]]<ref>{{cite news | last = Gristwood | first = Sarah | title = Bobbin' Robin | url = http://www.chico.mweb.co.za/mg/art/film/9806/980618-robin.html | publisher=Mail & Guardian Online |date=June 18, 1998 |accessdate=December 26, 2007 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20061004023437/http://www.chico.mweb.co.za/mg/art/film/9806/980618-robin.html |archivedate = October 4, 2006 |deadurl=yes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last = Topel | first = Fred | title = Robin Williams on License to Wed | url = http://www.canmag.com/nw/8218-license-to-wed-robin-williams | publisher=CanMag | date=July 3, 2007 |accessdate=December 26, 2007|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20141006122410/http://www.canmag.com/nw/8218-license-to-wed-robin-williams|archivedate = October 6, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> and later authored a comedic list, "Top Ten Reasons to be an Episcopalian".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.saint-augustine.org/_sep02/ef0902b.htm |title=Top 10 Reasons to be an Episcopalian (from the comedian Robin Williams, who is an Episcopalian, on a recent HBO special) – Ebb and Flow , the online newsletter of St. Augustine by the Sea Episcopal Church, Santa Monica, California |publisher=Saint-augustine.org |accessdate=August 12, 2014|date=September 2002|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20021014140550/http://www.saint-augustine.org/_sep02/ef0902b.htm|archivedate = October 14, 2002|deadurl = no}}</ref> During a TV interview on ''[[Inside the Actors Studio]]'' in 2001, he credited his mother as being an important early influence for his sense of humor, noting also that he tried to make her laugh to gain attention.<ref name=Lipton>video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IDy5GlUuf8&t=12m23s "Robin Williams – Inside The Actors Studio"], June 10, 2001</ref> |
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Williams attended public elementary school at Gorton Elementary School (now Gorton Community Center) and middle school at Deer Path Junior High School (now Deer Path Middle School),<ref name="chicagotribune.com">{{cite news |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-forest-lake-bluff/ct-robin-williams-childhood-memories-met-20140813-story.html |title=Robin Williams' childhood in Lake Forest remembered |first=Karen Ann |last=Cullotta |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=August 13, 2014 |location=Sec. 1 |page=7|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140813081506/http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-forest-lake-bluff/ct-robin-williams-childhood-memories-met-20140813-story.html|archivedate = August 13, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> both in [[Lake Forest, Illinois]]. He described himself as a quiet and shy child who did not overcome his shyness until he became involved with his high school drama department.<ref>{{cite episode | title = Robin Williams: 'The Night Listener' | url = http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5602441 | medium = Radio | network = [[National Public Radio]] | airdate = August 3, 2006 | series = Fresh Air from WHYY | credits = Terry Gross (host)}}</ref> Williams' |
Williams attended public elementary school at Gorton Elementary School (now Gorton Community Center) and middle school at Deer Path Junior High School (now Deer Path Middle School),<ref name="chicagotribune.com">{{cite news |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-forest-lake-bluff/ct-robin-williams-childhood-memories-met-20140813-story.html |title=Robin Williams' childhood in Lake Forest remembered |first=Karen Ann |last=Cullotta |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=August 13, 2014 |location=Sec. 1 |page=7|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140813081506/http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-forest-lake-bluff/ct-robin-williams-childhood-memories-met-20140813-story.html|archivedate = August 13, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> both in [[Lake Forest, Illinois]]. He described himself as a quiet and shy child who did not overcome his shyness until he became involved with his high school drama department.<ref>{{cite episode | title = Robin Williams: 'The Night Listener' | url = http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5602441 | medium = Radio | network = [[National Public Radio]] | airdate = August 3, 2006 | series = Fresh Air from WHYY | credits = Terry Gross (host)}}</ref> Williams' friends recall him as being very funny.<ref name="chicagotribune.com"/> In late 1963, when Williams was twelve, his father was transferred to Detroit. They lived in a 40-room farmhouse on 20 acres<ref name="Kornbluth" /> in suburban [[Bloomfield Hills, Michigan|Bloomfield Hills]], Michigan, where he was a student at the private [[Detroit Country Day School]].<ref name="chicagotribune.com"/><ref name="Moore1979">{{cite book |last=Moore |first=Mary Ellen |title=Robin Williams |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Vs_6tanL6T0C |accessdate=August 12, 2014 |date=January 1, 1979 |publisher=Grosset & Dunlap |isbn=9780448171289}}</ref> He excelled in school, where he was on the school's soccer team and wrestling team, and became class president.<ref name="washpost1">{{cite news |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2014/08/11/how-robin-williams-joked-about-school/ |title=How high school changed Robin Williams' life |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 11, 2014 |first=Valerie |last=Strauss |accessdate=August 13, 2014 |archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6TTRIGLzf|archivedate = 2014-10-20|deadurl = no}}</ref> |
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As Williams' |
As Williams' father was away much of the time and his mother also worked, he was attended to by the family's maid, who was his main companion. When Williams was 16, his father took early retirement and the family moved to [[Tiburon, California]].<ref name="Kornbluth" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Weber|first1=Bruce|title=Robin Williams, the Comic, Confronts Robin Williams, the Actor|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/28/movies/robin-williams-the-comic-confronts-robin-williams-the-actor.html|accessdate=August 24, 2014|work=New York Times|date=May 28, 1989|page=A1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Klemesrud|first1=Judy|title=Robin Williams Dons an Emigre's Guise|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/15/arts/robin-williiams-dons-an-emigre-s-guise.html|accessdate=August 24, 2014|work=New York Times|date=April 15, 1984|page=A21|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140826120805/http://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/15/arts/robin-williiams-dons-an-emigre-s-guise.html|archivedate = August 26, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> Following the move, Williams attended [[Redwood High School (Larkspur, California)|Redwood High School]] in nearby [[Larkspur, California|Larkspur]]. At the time of his graduation in 1969, he was voted "Most Likely Not to Succeed" and "Funniest" by his classmates.<ref name="landrum_3031">{{cite book |title=Paranoia & Power: Fear & Fame of Entertainment Icons |first=Gene N. |last=Landrum |publisher=Morgan James Publishing |year=2007 |isbn=1600372740 |asin=B008SLGPFW |pages=30–31}}</ref> |
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===College and Juilliard School=== |
===College and Juilliard School=== |
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After high school graduation, Williams enrolled at [[Claremont McKenna College|Claremont Men's College]] in [[Claremont, California]] to study [[political science]], then later dropped out to pursue acting.<ref name="Kornbluth" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Golum |first=Rob |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-11/actor-robin-williams-dead-in-apparent-suicide.html |title=Robin Williams, Oscar Winner, Dies After Hanging Himself |work=Bloomberg News |date=August 12, 2014|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20141011002226/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-11/actor-robin-williams-dead-in-apparent-suicide.html|archivedate = October 11, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> Williams then studied theatre for three years at the [[College of Marin]], a [[Community colleges in the United States|community college]] in [[Kentfield, California]]. According to Marin drama professor James Dunn, the depth of Williams' |
After high school graduation, Williams enrolled at [[Claremont McKenna College|Claremont Men's College]] in [[Claremont, California]] to study [[political science]], then later dropped out to pursue acting.<ref name="Kornbluth" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Golum |first=Rob |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-11/actor-robin-williams-dead-in-apparent-suicide.html |title=Robin Williams, Oscar Winner, Dies After Hanging Himself |work=Bloomberg News |date=August 12, 2014|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20141011002226/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-11/actor-robin-williams-dead-in-apparent-suicide.html|archivedate = October 11, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> Williams then studied theatre for three years at the [[College of Marin]], a [[Community colleges in the United States|community college]] in [[Kentfield, California]]. According to Marin drama professor James Dunn, the depth of Williams' talent first became evident when he was cast in the musical ''[[Oliver!]]'' as [[Fagin]]. Williams was known to improvise during his time in Marin's drama program, putting cast members in hysterics.<ref name="Hansen">{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Megan |title='We knew him as a neighbor': Marin remembers Robin Williams |url=http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_26319466/we-knew-him-neighbor-marin-remembers-robin-williams |accessdate=August 13, 2014 |work=Marin Independent Journal |date=August 11, 2014|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140813072755/http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_26319466/we-knew-him-neighbor-marin-remembers-robin-williams|archivedate = August 13, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> Dunn called his wife after one late rehearsal to tell her that Williams "was going to be something special."<ref name="Hansen" /> |
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In 1973, Williams attained a full scholarship to the [[Juilliard School]] in New York City. He was one of only 20 students accepted into the freshman class and one of only two students to be accepted by [[John Houseman]] into the Advanced Program at the school that year; the other was [[Christopher Reeve]]. [[William Hurt]] and [[Mandy Patinkin]] were also classmates.<ref name=Maslon>Maslon, Laurence, and Kantor, Michael. ''Make 'em Laugh: The Funny Business of America'', Twelve, 2008 pp. 241–244</ref><ref name="reeve">{{cite book |last=Reeve |first=Christopher |authorlink=Christopher Reeve |title=Still Me | publisher=Random House |location=New York |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-679-45235-5 |pages=167–172}}</ref> According to Jean Dorsinville, classmate [[Franklyn Seales]] was Williams' |
In 1973, Williams attained a full scholarship to the [[Juilliard School]] in New York City. He was one of only 20 students accepted into the freshman class and one of only two students to be accepted by [[John Houseman]] into the Advanced Program at the school that year; the other was [[Christopher Reeve]]. [[William Hurt]] and [[Mandy Patinkin]] were also classmates.<ref name=Maslon>Maslon, Laurence, and Kantor, Michael. ''Make 'em Laugh: The Funny Business of America'', Twelve, 2008 pp. 241–244</ref><ref name="reeve">{{cite book |last=Reeve |first=Christopher |authorlink=Christopher Reeve |title=Still Me | publisher=Random House |location=New York |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-679-45235-5 |pages=167–172}}</ref> According to Jean Dorsinville, classmate [[Franklyn Seales]] was Williams' roommate at Juilliard.<ref name=video>{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckHyh1svWa0|title='Life of an Artist' Biography of Franklyn Seales (interview with Author)|date=August 8, 2011|work=YouTube}}</ref> Reeve remembered his first impression of Williams when they were two new students at Juilliard: "He wore tie-dyed shirts with track suit bottoms and talked a mile a minute. I'd never seen so much energy contained in one person. He was like an untied balloon that had been inflated and immediately released. I watched in awe as he virtually caromed off the walls of the classrooms and hallways. To say that he was 'on' would be a major understatement."<ref name="reeve"/> |
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Williams and Reeve had a class in dialects taught by Edith Skinner, who, Reeve said, was one of the world's leading voice and speech teachers. Skinner had no idea what to make of Williams, adds Reeve, as he [Williams] could instantly perform in many dialects, including Scottish, Irish, English, Russian, and Italian. Their primary acting teacher was [[Michael Kahn (theatre director)|Michael Kahn]], who was "equally baffled by this human dynamo," notes Reeve. Williams already had a reputation for being funny, but Kahn sometimes criticized his antics as simple stand-up comedy. In a later production, Williams silenced his critics with his convincing role of an old man in ''The Night of the Iguana,'' by [[Tennessee Williams]]. "He simply ''was'' the old man," observed Reeve. "I was astonished by his work and very grateful that fate had thrown us together."<ref name="reeve"/> |
Williams and Reeve had a class in dialects taught by Edith Skinner, who, Reeve said, was one of the world's leading voice and speech teachers. Skinner had no idea what to make of Williams, adds Reeve, as he [Williams] could instantly perform in many dialects, including Scottish, Irish, English, Russian, and Italian. Their primary acting teacher was [[Michael Kahn (theatre director)|Michael Kahn]], who was "equally baffled by this human dynamo," notes Reeve. Williams already had a reputation for being funny, but Kahn sometimes criticized his antics as simple stand-up comedy. In a later production, Williams silenced his critics with his convincing role of an old man in ''The Night of the Iguana,'' by [[Tennessee Williams]]. "He simply ''was'' the old man," observed Reeve. "I was astonished by his work and very grateful that fate had thrown us together."<ref name="reeve"/> |
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Williams and Reeve remained close friends until Reeve's death in 2004, following his having become a [[quadriplegic]] after a horse-riding accident.<ref name="reeve"/>{{rp|16}} Zak, Williams' |
Williams and Reeve remained close friends until Reeve's death in 2004, following his having become a [[quadriplegic]] after a horse-riding accident.<ref name="reeve"/>{{rp|16}} Zak, Williams' son, said they were like brothers in their friendship.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/11/23/robin-williams-son-remembers-his-dad-and-christopher-reeve-friendship/ "Robin Williams' son remembers his dad and Christopher Reeve's friendship"], ''Fox News'', Nov. 23, 2014</ref> Williams paid many of Reeve's medical bills and gave financial support to his family.<ref name="reeve"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/11027923/Robin-Williams-obituary.html |title=Robin Williams – obituary |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=August 12, 2014|accessdate=August 12, 2014|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6TTTp9htz|archivedate = 2014-10-20|deadurl = no}}</ref> |
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Williams left Juilliard<ref>{{cite news |url=http://time.com/3104146/robin-williams-dead-marc-maron-podcast/ |title=Listen to Robin Williams Talk About His Struggles on a April 26, 2010 Podcast |date=August 12, 2014 |work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |accessdate=August 22, 2014|last = Feeney|first = Nolan|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140922040220/http://time.com/3104146/robin-williams-dead-marc-maron-podcast|archivedate = September 22, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episodes/remembering_robin_williams |title=WTF with Marc Maron - Remembering Robin Williams |date=August 11, 2014 |work=[[WTF with Marc Maron|WTF]] with [[Marc Maron]] |accessdate=October 21, 2014|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140812183127/http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episodes/remembering_robin_williams|archivedate = August 12, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> during his junior year in 1976 at the suggestion of Houseman, who said there was nothing more Juilliard could teach him.<ref name=Maslon/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/18/nyregion/commencements-for-juilliard-ex-student-hams-it-up.html |title=For Juilliard, Ex-Student Hams It Up |date=May 18, 1991 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=August 12, 2014|agency = The Associated Press|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20121105042651/http://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/18/nyregion/commencements-for-juilliard-ex-student-hams-it-up.html|archivedate = November 5, 2012|deadurl = no}}</ref> His teacher at Juilliard, [[Gerald Freedman]], notes that Williams was a "genius," and the school's conservative and classical style of training did not suit him, therefore no one was surprised that he left.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://charlotte.twcnews.com/content/news/710725/nc-comedian--robin-williams-was-my-hero--my-influence/ |title=NC Comedian: Robin Williams Was My Hero, My Influence |work=Time Warner Cable News |date=August 12, 2014|last = Blair|first = Caroline|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084944/http://charlotte.twcnews.com/content/news/710725/nc-comedian--robin-williams-was-my-hero--my-influence/|archivedate = August 19, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> |
Williams left Juilliard<ref>{{cite news |url=http://time.com/3104146/robin-williams-dead-marc-maron-podcast/ |title=Listen to Robin Williams Talk About His Struggles on a April 26, 2010 Podcast |date=August 12, 2014 |work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |accessdate=August 22, 2014|last = Feeney|first = Nolan|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140922040220/http://time.com/3104146/robin-williams-dead-marc-maron-podcast|archivedate = September 22, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episodes/remembering_robin_williams |title=WTF with Marc Maron - Remembering Robin Williams |date=August 11, 2014 |work=[[WTF with Marc Maron|WTF]] with [[Marc Maron]] |accessdate=October 21, 2014|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140812183127/http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episodes/remembering_robin_williams|archivedate = August 12, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> during his junior year in 1976 at the suggestion of Houseman, who said there was nothing more Juilliard could teach him.<ref name=Maslon/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/18/nyregion/commencements-for-juilliard-ex-student-hams-it-up.html |title=For Juilliard, Ex-Student Hams It Up |date=May 18, 1991 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=August 12, 2014|agency = The Associated Press|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20121105042651/http://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/18/nyregion/commencements-for-juilliard-ex-student-hams-it-up.html|archivedate = November 5, 2012|deadurl = no}}</ref> His teacher at Juilliard, [[Gerald Freedman]], notes that Williams was a "genius," and the school's conservative and classical style of training did not suit him, therefore no one was surprised that he left.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://charlotte.twcnews.com/content/news/710725/nc-comedian--robin-williams-was-my-hero--my-influence/ |title=NC Comedian: Robin Williams Was My Hero, My Influence |work=Time Warner Cable News |date=August 12, 2014|last = Blair|first = Caroline|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084944/http://charlotte.twcnews.com/content/news/710725/nc-comedian--robin-williams-was-my-hero--my-influence/|archivedate = August 19, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> |
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{{quotation|It's a brutal field, man. They burn out. It takes its toll. Plus, the lifestyle—partying, drinking, drugs. If you're on the road, it's even more brutal. You gotta come back down to mellow your ass out, and then performing takes you back up. They flame out because it comes and goes. Suddenly they're hot, and then somebody else is hot. Sometimes they get very bitter. Sometimes they just give up. Sometimes they have a revival thing and they come back again. Sometimes they snap. The pressure kicks in. You become obsessed and then you lose that focus that you need.<ref name=Nachman/>{{rp|34–35}}}} |
{{quotation|It's a brutal field, man. They burn out. It takes its toll. Plus, the lifestyle—partying, drinking, drugs. If you're on the road, it's even more brutal. You gotta come back down to mellow your ass out, and then performing takes you back up. They flame out because it comes and goes. Suddenly they're hot, and then somebody else is hot. Sometimes they get very bitter. Sometimes they just give up. Sometimes they have a revival thing and they come back again. Sometimes they snap. The pressure kicks in. You become obsessed and then you lose that focus that you need.<ref name=Nachman/>{{rp|34–35}}}} |
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Some, such as the critic [[Vincent Canby]], were concerned that Williams' |
Some, such as the critic [[Vincent Canby]], were concerned that Williams' monologues were so intense that it seemed as though at any minute his "creative process could reverse into a complete meltdown".<ref name=Grobel/> But Williams felt secure he could not run out of ideas as the constant change in world events would keep him supplied.<ref name=Grobel/> He also explained that he often used [[Free association (psychology)#Characteristics|free association]] of ideas while improvising in order to keep audience interest.<ref>video: {{YouTube|id=4LaJDOD5cJI&t=14m20s|title=Robin Williams interview with Sir Michael Parkinson, 2002}}</ref> Williams noted that the competitive comedy club atmosphere could cause problems. For example, some comedians accused him of intentionally copying their jokes, although Williams strongly denied ever doing so.<ref name=Grobel/> [[Whoopi Goldberg]] explained that it is difficult for comedians to not pick up and reuse another comedian's material, and that it is done "all the time."<ref name="rs comedy">{{cite web | url = http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/features/robin-williams-fears-of-a-clown-20140811 | title = Robin Williams: Fears of a Clown | first = Jeff | last = Giles | date = February 21, 1991 | accessdate = August 17, 2014 | work = [[Rolling Stone]] }}</ref> He later avoided going to performances of other comedians to deter similar accusations.<ref name="rs comedy"/> |
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During a ''Playboy'' magazine interview in 1992, Williams was asked whether he ever feared losing the ability to speak openly about those kinds of events and subjects, and admitted that he would, "if I felt like I was becoming not just dull but a rock, that I still couldn't spark, still fire off or talk about things." While he attributed the recent suicide of novelist [[Jerzy Kosiński]] to his fear of losing his creativity and sharpness, Williams felt he could overcome those risks. For that, he credited his father, who he said gave him self-confidence, telling him to never be afraid of talking about subjects which were important to him.<ref name=Grobel/> |
During a ''Playboy'' magazine interview in 1992, Williams was asked whether he ever feared losing the ability to speak openly about those kinds of events and subjects, and admitted that he would, "if I felt like I was becoming not just dull but a rock, that I still couldn't spark, still fire off or talk about things." While he attributed the recent suicide of novelist [[Jerzy Kosiński]] to his fear of losing his creativity and sharpness, Williams felt he could overcome those risks. For that, he credited his father, who he said gave him self-confidence, telling him to never be afraid of talking about subjects which were important to him.<ref name=Grobel/> |
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[[File:Robin williams by michael dressler 1979.jpg|thumb|upright|Robin Williams in 1979. The photo was taken by Michael Dressler and used for the March 12, 1979 cover of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine. It was installed in the [[National Portrait Gallery (United States)|National Portrait Gallery]] to commemorate Williams after his death.]] |
[[File:Robin williams by michael dressler 1979.jpg|thumb|upright|Robin Williams in 1979. The photo was taken by Michael Dressler and used for the March 12, 1979 cover of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine. It was installed in the [[National Portrait Gallery (United States)|National Portrait Gallery]] to commemorate Williams after his death.]] |
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After the ''[[Laugh-In]]'' revival and appearing in the cast of ''[[The Richard Pryor Show]]'' on [[NBC]], Williams was cast by [[Garry Marshall]] as the alien Mork in a 1978 episode of the hit TV series ''[[Happy Days]]''.<ref name=Maslon/><ref name="actors">{{cite episode | title = Robin Williams | series = Inside the Actors Studio | season = 7 | number = 710 | airdate = June 10, 2001 | network = Bravo | url = http://www.bravotv.com/Inside_the_Actors_Studio/guest/Robin_Williams | credits = James Lipton (host)}}</ref> Williams impressed the producer with his quirky sense of humor when he sat on his head when asked to take a seat for the audition.<ref>{{cite web|title=Robin Williams Biography|url=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/robin-williams.html|publisher=Biography Channel|accessdate=September 27, 2012}}</ref> As Mork, Williams improvised much of his dialogue and physical comedy, speaking in a high, nasal voice. Mork's appearance was so popular with viewers that it led to the spin-off hit television sitcom ''[[Mork & Mindy]]'', which ran from 1978 to 1982; the show was written to accommodate Williams' |
After the ''[[Laugh-In]]'' revival and appearing in the cast of ''[[The Richard Pryor Show]]'' on [[NBC]], Williams was cast by [[Garry Marshall]] as the alien Mork in a 1978 episode of the hit TV series ''[[Happy Days]]''.<ref name=Maslon/><ref name="actors">{{cite episode | title = Robin Williams | series = Inside the Actors Studio | season = 7 | number = 710 | airdate = June 10, 2001 | network = Bravo | url = http://www.bravotv.com/Inside_the_Actors_Studio/guest/Robin_Williams | credits = James Lipton (host)}}</ref> Williams impressed the producer with his quirky sense of humor when he sat on his head when asked to take a seat for the audition.<ref>{{cite web|title=Robin Williams Biography|url=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/robin-williams.html|publisher=Biography Channel|accessdate=September 27, 2012}}</ref> As Mork, Williams improvised much of his dialogue and physical comedy, speaking in a high, nasal voice. Mork's appearance was so popular with viewers that it led to the spin-off hit television sitcom ''[[Mork & Mindy]]'', which ran from 1978 to 1982; the show was written to accommodate Williams' improvisations. Although he portrayed the same character as in ''Happy Days'', the series was set in the present in Boulder, Colorado instead of the late 1950s in [[Milwaukee]]. ''Mork & Mindy'' at its peak had a weekly audience of 60 million and was credited with turning Williams into a "superstar."<ref name=Maslon/> According to critic [[James Poniewozik]], the series was especially popular among young people as Williams became a "man and a child, buoyant, rubber-faced, an endless gusher of invention."<ref name=Corliss>{{cite journal |last=Corliss |first=Richard |url=http://time.com/3110842/robin-williams-the-heart-of-comedy/ |title=Robin Williams: The Heart of Comedy |magazine=Time |date=August 25, 2014}}</ref> |
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Mork became an extremely popular character, featured on posters, coloring books, lunch-boxes, and other merchandise.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mork & Mindy |url=http://www.retrojunk.com/article/show/2981/mork-mindy|website=retrojunk.com |accessdate=August 12, 2014|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6TXuAQuMg|archivedate = October 23, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> ''Mork & Mindy'' was such a success in its first season that Williams appeared on the March 12, 1979, cover of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine, then the leading news magazine in the U.S.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19790312,00.html |title=Robin Williams – March 12, 1979 |year=2014 |accessdate=August 12, 2014 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://time.com/3102046/robin-williams-dead-hollywood-television-movies/ |title=How Robin Williams Went From Unknown To Star in 5 Months |magazine=Time |date=March 12, 1979 |accessdate=August 13, 2014}}</ref> The cover photo, taken by Michael Dressler in 1979, is said to have "[captured] his different sides: the funnyman mugging for the camera, and a sweet, more thoughtful pose that appears on a small TV he holds in his hands" according to Mary Forgione of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''.<ref name="latimes photo"/> This photo was installed in the [[National Portrait Gallery (United States)|National Portrait Gallery]] in the [[Smithsonian Institution]] shortly after Williams' |
Mork became an extremely popular character, featured on posters, coloring books, lunch-boxes, and other merchandise.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mork & Mindy |url=http://www.retrojunk.com/article/show/2981/mork-mindy|website=retrojunk.com |accessdate=August 12, 2014|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6TXuAQuMg|archivedate = October 23, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> ''Mork & Mindy'' was such a success in its first season that Williams appeared on the March 12, 1979, cover of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine, then the leading news magazine in the U.S.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19790312,00.html |title=Robin Williams – March 12, 1979 |year=2014 |accessdate=August 12, 2014 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://time.com/3102046/robin-williams-dead-hollywood-television-movies/ |title=How Robin Williams Went From Unknown To Star in 5 Months |magazine=Time |date=March 12, 1979 |accessdate=August 13, 2014}}</ref> The cover photo, taken by Michael Dressler in 1979, is said to have "[captured] his different sides: the funnyman mugging for the camera, and a sweet, more thoughtful pose that appears on a small TV he holds in his hands" according to Mary Forgione of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''.<ref name="latimes photo"/> This photo was installed in the [[National Portrait Gallery (United States)|National Portrait Gallery]] in the [[Smithsonian Institution]] shortly after Williams' death to allow visitors to pay their respects.<ref name="latimes photo">{{cite news | url = http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-robin-williams-national-portrait-gallery-20140812-story.html | title = The lighter side of Robin Williams, now at National Portrait Gallery | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | date = August 12, 2014 | accessdate = August 14, 2014 | first = Mary | last =Forgione |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140814213020/http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-robin-williams-national-portrait-gallery-20140812-story.html|archivedate = 2014-08-13|deadurl = no}}</ref> Williams was also on the cover of the August 23, 1979, issue of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine, with the cover photograph taken by famed photographer [[Richard Avedon]].<ref>Williams, Robin. ''Rolling Stone'', May 18, 2006</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/comedy-on-the-cover-20080903/comedy-covers-rs-298-robin-williams-97021537 |title=A History of Comedy Stars on the Cover of Rolling Stone |date=June 1, 2011 |accessdate=August 19, 2014 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref> |
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Starting in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, Williams began to reach a wider audience with his stand-up comedy, including three [[HBO]] comedy specials, ''Off the Wall'' (1978), ''An Evening with Robin Williams'' (1982) and ''Robin Williams: Live at the Met'' (1986). Also in 1986, Williams co-hosted the [[58th Academy Awards]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Connor |first1=John J |title=The Academy Awards Ceremony |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1986/03/26/movies/the-academy-awards-ceremony.html |accessdate=August 12, 2014 |newspaper=The New York Times|date = March 26, 1986|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140812213954/http://www.nytimes.com/1986/03/26/movies/the-academy-awards-ceremony.html|archivedate = August 12, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> |
Starting in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, Williams began to reach a wider audience with his stand-up comedy, including three [[HBO]] comedy specials, ''Off the Wall'' (1978), ''An Evening with Robin Williams'' (1982) and ''Robin Williams: Live at the Met'' (1986). Also in 1986, Williams co-hosted the [[58th Academy Awards]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Connor |first1=John J |title=The Academy Awards Ceremony |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1986/03/26/movies/the-academy-awards-ceremony.html |accessdate=August 12, 2014 |newspaper=The New York Times|date = March 26, 1986|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140812213954/http://www.nytimes.com/1986/03/26/movies/the-academy-awards-ceremony.html|archivedate = August 12, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> |
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Williams was also a regular guest on various talk shows, including ''[[The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson]]''<ref>video clip; {{YouTube|iqdSagycCWc|"Robin Williams on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show – 1991"}}</ref> and ''[[Late Night with David Letterman]]'', on which he appeared 50 times. Letterman, who knew Williams for nearly 40 years, recalls seeing him first perform as a new comedian at the Comedy Store in Hollywood, where Letterman and other comedians had already been doing stand-up. "He came in like a hurricane," said Letterman, who said he then thought to himself, "Holy crap, there goes my chance in show business."<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2014/08/19/david_letterman_s_robin_williams_tribute_the_late_show_host_remembers_when.html|title = Letterman Remembers the First Time He Met Robin Williams|date = August 19, 2014|accessdate = 2014-10-23|website = Slate|last = Lockett|first = Dee}}</ref> |
Williams was also a regular guest on various talk shows, including ''[[The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson]]''<ref>video clip; {{YouTube|iqdSagycCWc|"Robin Williams on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show – 1991"}}</ref> and ''[[Late Night with David Letterman]]'', on which he appeared 50 times. Letterman, who knew Williams for nearly 40 years, recalls seeing him first perform as a new comedian at the Comedy Store in Hollywood, where Letterman and other comedians had already been doing stand-up. "He came in like a hurricane," said Letterman, who said he then thought to himself, "Holy crap, there goes my chance in show business."<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2014/08/19/david_letterman_s_robin_williams_tribute_the_late_show_host_remembers_when.html|title = Letterman Remembers the First Time He Met Robin Williams|date = August 19, 2014|accessdate = 2014-10-23|website = Slate|last = Lockett|first = Dee}}</ref> |
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Williams' |
Williams' stand-up work was a consistent thread through his career, as seen by the success of his one-man show (and subsequent DVD) ''Robin Williams: Live on Broadway'' (2002). He was voted 13th on [[Comedy Central]]'s list "100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time" in 2004.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0429332/ | title = Comedy Central Presents: 100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time | publisher=Internet Movie Database |accessdate=December 26, 2007}}</ref> |
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Williams and [[Billy Crystal]] were in an unscripted cameo at the beginning of an episode of the third season of ''[[Friends]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cook |first=Jon |title=Comedians Crystal and Williams in "Friends" episode |url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/Artists/W/Williams_Robin/1997/04/04/762654.html |website=canoe.ca |accessdate=August 12, 2014|date = April 4, 1997|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140812202812/http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/Artists/W/Williams_Robin/1997/04/04/762654.html|archivedate = 2014-08-12|deadurl = no}}</ref> His many TV appearances included an episode of ''[[Whose Line Is It Anyway? (U.S. TV series)|Whose Line Is It Anyway?]]'',<ref>{{cite episode |series=Whose Line Is It Anyway? |serieslink = Whose Line Is It Anyway? (U.S. TV series) |airdate=November 16, 2000 |season=3 |number=9}}</ref> and he starred in an episode of ''[[Law and Order: SVU]]''. In 2010, he appeared in a sketch with [[Robert De Niro]] on ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'', and in 2012, guest-starred as himself in two [[FX (TV channel)|FX]] series, ''[[Louie (TV series)|Louie]]'' and ''[[Wilfred (U.S. TV series)|Wilfred]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.tvguide.com/News/Robin-Williams-Dies-1085425.aspx|title = Robin Williams Dies of Suspected Suicide at 63|date = August 11, 2014|accessdate = 2014-10-23|website = [[TV Guide]]|last = Stanhope|first = Kate|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140812203820/http://www.tvguide.com/News/Robin-Williams-Dies-1085425.aspx|archivedate = 2014-08-12|deadurl = no}}</ref> In May 2013, [[CBS]] started a new series, ''[[The Crazy Ones]]'', starring Williams,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rose |first1=Lacey |last2=Goldberg |first2=Lesley |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cbs-series-orders-mom-intelligence-crazy-ones-will-arnett-519502 |title=CBS Orders Chuck Lorre's 'Mom,' Robin Williams' 'Crazy Ones,' Will Arnett Comedy, More |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=May 10, 2013 |accessdate=July 25, 2013}}</ref> but the show was canceled after one season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |title=CBS Renews 'Mentalist', Cancels 'Crazy Ones', 'Hostages', 'Intelligence' & 2 More |url=http://variety.com/2014/tv/news/cbs-renews-mentalist-cancels-crazy-ones-1201177236/ |website=variety.com |date=May 10, 2014 |accessdate=August 12, 2014|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140511011859/https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/cbs-renews-mentalist-cancels-crazy-ones-1201177236/|archivedate = 2014-05-11|deadurl = no}}</ref> |
Williams and [[Billy Crystal]] were in an unscripted cameo at the beginning of an episode of the third season of ''[[Friends]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cook |first=Jon |title=Comedians Crystal and Williams in "Friends" episode |url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/Artists/W/Williams_Robin/1997/04/04/762654.html |website=canoe.ca |accessdate=August 12, 2014|date = April 4, 1997|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140812202812/http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/Artists/W/Williams_Robin/1997/04/04/762654.html|archivedate = 2014-08-12|deadurl = no}}</ref> His many TV appearances included an episode of ''[[Whose Line Is It Anyway? (U.S. TV series)|Whose Line Is It Anyway?]]'',<ref>{{cite episode |series=Whose Line Is It Anyway? |serieslink = Whose Line Is It Anyway? (U.S. TV series) |airdate=November 16, 2000 |season=3 |number=9}}</ref> and he starred in an episode of ''[[Law and Order: SVU]]''. In 2010, he appeared in a sketch with [[Robert De Niro]] on ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'', and in 2012, guest-starred as himself in two [[FX (TV channel)|FX]] series, ''[[Louie (TV series)|Louie]]'' and ''[[Wilfred (U.S. TV series)|Wilfred]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.tvguide.com/News/Robin-Williams-Dies-1085425.aspx|title = Robin Williams Dies of Suspected Suicide at 63|date = August 11, 2014|accessdate = 2014-10-23|website = [[TV Guide]]|last = Stanhope|first = Kate|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140812203820/http://www.tvguide.com/News/Robin-Williams-Dies-1085425.aspx|archivedate = 2014-08-12|deadurl = no}}</ref> In May 2013, [[CBS]] started a new series, ''[[The Crazy Ones]]'', starring Williams,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rose |first1=Lacey |last2=Goldberg |first2=Lesley |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cbs-series-orders-mom-intelligence-crazy-ones-will-arnett-519502 |title=CBS Orders Chuck Lorre's 'Mom,' Robin Williams' 'Crazy Ones,' Will Arnett Comedy, More |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=May 10, 2013 |accessdate=July 25, 2013}}</ref> but the show was canceled after one season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |title=CBS Renews 'Mentalist', Cancels 'Crazy Ones', 'Hostages', 'Intelligence' & 2 More |url=http://variety.com/2014/tv/news/cbs-renews-mentalist-cancels-crazy-ones-1201177236/ |website=variety.com |date=May 10, 2014 |accessdate=August 12, 2014|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140511011859/https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/cbs-renews-mentalist-cancels-crazy-ones-1201177236/|archivedate = 2014-05-11|deadurl = no}}</ref> |
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===Film career=== |
===Film career=== |
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Williams' |
Williams' first film was the 1977 low-budget comedy ''[[Can I Do It... 'Til I Need Glasses?]]''. His first major performance was as the title character in ''[[Popeye (1980 film)|Popeye]]'' (1980); though the film was a commercial flop, the role allowed Williams to showcase the acting skills previously demonstrated in his television work.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://articles.philly.com/2014-08-13/news/52732960_1_golden-globe-aladdin-role | title = Robin Williams, 63, comic genius | first = Steven | last = Rea | date = August 13, 2014 | accessdate = August 18, 2014 | work = The Philadelphia Inquirer }}</ref><ref name="VF-20140812">{{cite web |last=Spitznagel |first=Eric |title=Popeye Is the Best Movie Robin Williams Ever Made |url=http://www.vanityfair.com/vf-hollywood/2014/08/robin-williams-popeye |date=August 12, 2014 |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |accessdate=August 13, 2014 }}</ref> He also starred as the leading character in ''[[The World According to Garp (film)|The World According to Garp]]'' (1982), which Williams considered "may have lacked a certain madness onscreen, but it had a great core".<ref name=Zehme/> Williams continued with other smaller roles in less successful films, such as ''[[The Survivors (1983 film)|The Survivors]]'' (1983) and ''[[Club Paradise]]'' (1986), though he felt these roles did not help advance his film career.<ref name=Zehme/> |
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His first major break came from his starring role in director [[Barry Levinson]]'s ''[[Good Morning, Vietnam]]'' (1987), which earned Williams a nomination for the [[Academy Award for Best Actor]].<ref name="actors"/> The film takes place in 1965 during the [[Vietnam War]], with Williams playing the role of [[Adrian Cronauer]], a radio "[[shock jock]]" who keeps the troops entertained with comedy and sarcasm. Williams was allowed to play the role without a script, improvising most of his lines. Over the microphone, he created voice impressions of people, including [[Walter Cronkite]], [[Gomer Pyle]], [[Elvis Presley]], [[Mr. Ed]] and [[Richard Nixon]].<ref name=Zehme>{{cite news | last = Zehme | first = Bill | work = [[Rolling Stone]] | pages = 29–32 | date = February 25, 1988 | accessdate = August 18, 2014 | url = http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/features/robin-williams-the-rolling-stone-interview-19880225 | title = Robin Williams: The Rolling Stone Interview }}</ref> "We just let the cameras roll," said producer Mark Johnson, and Williams "managed to create something new for every single take."<ref>{{Cite book|title = Inventing Vietnam: The War in Film and Television|publisher = Temple University Press|year = 1991|isbn = 9780877228622|page = 238|series = Culture And The Moving Image: Vol 6|editor-last = Anderegg|editor-first = Michael|asin = B00DT6526E|location = Philadelphia}}</ref> |
His first major break came from his starring role in director [[Barry Levinson]]'s ''[[Good Morning, Vietnam]]'' (1987), which earned Williams a nomination for the [[Academy Award for Best Actor]].<ref name="actors"/> The film takes place in 1965 during the [[Vietnam War]], with Williams playing the role of [[Adrian Cronauer]], a radio "[[shock jock]]" who keeps the troops entertained with comedy and sarcasm. Williams was allowed to play the role without a script, improvising most of his lines. Over the microphone, he created voice impressions of people, including [[Walter Cronkite]], [[Gomer Pyle]], [[Elvis Presley]], [[Mr. Ed]] and [[Richard Nixon]].<ref name=Zehme>{{cite news | last = Zehme | first = Bill | work = [[Rolling Stone]] | pages = 29–32 | date = February 25, 1988 | accessdate = August 18, 2014 | url = http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/features/robin-williams-the-rolling-stone-interview-19880225 | title = Robin Williams: The Rolling Stone Interview }}</ref> "We just let the cameras roll," said producer Mark Johnson, and Williams "managed to create something new for every single take."<ref>{{Cite book|title = Inventing Vietnam: The War in Film and Television|publisher = Temple University Press|year = 1991|isbn = 9780877228622|page = 238|series = Culture And The Moving Image: Vol 6|editor-last = Anderegg|editor-first = Michael|asin = B00DT6526E|location = Philadelphia}}</ref> |
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[[File:Robin Williams and Yola Czaderska-Hayekat62ndAcademyAwards.jpg|thumb|right|Williams and Yola Czaderska-Hayek at the [[62nd Academy Awards]] in 1990]] |
[[File:Robin Williams and Yola Czaderska-Hayekat62ndAcademyAwards.jpg|thumb|right|Williams and Yola Czaderska-Hayek at the [[62nd Academy Awards]] in 1990]] |
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Many of his later roles were in comedies tinged with pathos.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Monk|first1=Katherine|title=A clown and his demons: Robin Williams mixed zany comedy, sharp satire and pathos (with video)|url=http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/movie-guide/clown+demons+Robin+Williams+mixed+zany+comedy+sharp+satire+pathos/10110121/story.html|accessdate=August 12, 2014|work=Vancouver Sun|date=August 12, 2014}}</ref> Williams' |
Many of his later roles were in comedies tinged with pathos.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Monk|first1=Katherine|title=A clown and his demons: Robin Williams mixed zany comedy, sharp satire and pathos (with video)|url=http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/movie-guide/clown+demons+Robin+Williams+mixed+zany+comedy+sharp+satire+pathos/10110121/story.html|accessdate=August 12, 2014|work=Vancouver Sun|date=August 12, 2014}}</ref> Williams' roles in comedy and dramatic films garnered him an [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]] (for his role as a psychologist in ''Good Will Hunting''),<ref name="actors"/> as well as two previous Academy Award nominations (for playing an English teacher in ''[[Dead Poets Society]]'' (1989), and for playing a troubled homeless man in ''[[The Fisher King]]'' (1991)).<ref name="actors"/> In 1991, he played an adult [[Peter Pan]] in the movie ''[[Hook (film)|Hook]]'', although he had said that he would have to lose twenty-five pounds.<ref>''Rolling Stone'', February 21, 1991 p. 26.</ref> |
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Other roles Williams had in acclaimed dramatic films include ''[[Moscow on the Hudson]]'' (1984), ''[[Awakenings]]'' (1990) and ''[[What Dreams May Come (film)|What Dreams May Come]]'' (1998).<ref name=allmovie_bio>{{cite web|last1=Brennan|first1=Sandra|title=Robin Williams|url=http://www.allmovie.com/artist/robin-williams-p116900|website=[[AllMovie]]|accessdate=August 12, 2014}}</ref> In the 2002 film ''[[Insomnia (2002 film)|Insomnia]]'', Williams portrayed a writer/killer on the run from a sleep-deprived Los Angeles policeman (played by [[Al Pacino]]) in rural Alaska.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Williams|first1=Karl|title=Insomnia (2002)|url=http://www.allmovie.com/movie/insomnia-v260290|website=Allmovie|accessdate=August 12, 2014}}</ref> Also in 2002, in the psychological thriller ''[[One Hour Photo]]'', Williams played an emotionally disturbed photo development technician who becomes obsessed with a family for whom he has developed pictures for a long time.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Deming|first1=Mark|title=One Hour Photo (2002)|url=http://www.allmovie.com/movie/one-hour-photo-v260306|website=Allmovie|accessdate=August 12, 2014}}</ref> The last Williams movie released during his lifetime was ''[[The Angriest Man in Brooklyn]]'', a film addressing the value of life. In it, Williams played Henry Altmann, a terminally ill man who reassesses his life and works to redeem himself. |
Other roles Williams had in acclaimed dramatic films include ''[[Moscow on the Hudson]]'' (1984), ''[[Awakenings]]'' (1990) and ''[[What Dreams May Come (film)|What Dreams May Come]]'' (1998).<ref name=allmovie_bio>{{cite web|last1=Brennan|first1=Sandra|title=Robin Williams|url=http://www.allmovie.com/artist/robin-williams-p116900|website=[[AllMovie]]|accessdate=August 12, 2014}}</ref> In the 2002 film ''[[Insomnia (2002 film)|Insomnia]]'', Williams portrayed a writer/killer on the run from a sleep-deprived Los Angeles policeman (played by [[Al Pacino]]) in rural Alaska.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Williams|first1=Karl|title=Insomnia (2002)|url=http://www.allmovie.com/movie/insomnia-v260290|website=Allmovie|accessdate=August 12, 2014}}</ref> Also in 2002, in the psychological thriller ''[[One Hour Photo]]'', Williams played an emotionally disturbed photo development technician who becomes obsessed with a family for whom he has developed pictures for a long time.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Deming|first1=Mark|title=One Hour Photo (2002)|url=http://www.allmovie.com/movie/one-hour-photo-v260306|website=Allmovie|accessdate=August 12, 2014}}</ref> The last Williams movie released during his lifetime was ''[[The Angriest Man in Brooklyn]]'', a film addressing the value of life. In it, Williams played Henry Altmann, a terminally ill man who reassesses his life and works to redeem himself. |
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Among the actors who helped him during his acting career, he credited [[Robert De Niro]], from whom he learned the power of silence and economy of dialog when acting, to portray the deep-driven man. From [[Dustin Hoffman]], with whom he co-starred in ''Hook'', he learned to take on totally different character types, and to transform his characters by extreme preparation. [[Mike Medavoy]], producer of ''Hook'', told its director, [[Steven Spielberg]], that he intentionally teamed up Hoffman and Williams for the film because he knew they wanted to work together, and that Williams welcomed the opportunity of working with Spielberg.<ref>{{Cite book|title = You're Only as Good as Your Next One: 100 Great Films, 100 Good Films, and 100 for Which I Should Be Shot|last = Medavoy|first = Mike|publisher = Simon & Schuster (Altria)|year = 2002|isbn = 9780743400541|location = New York|page = 228|others = Young, Josh (contributor)}}</ref> Williams benefited from working with [[Woody Allen]], who directed him and [[Billy Crystal]] in ''[[Deconstructing Harry]]'' (1997), as Allen knew that Williams and Crystal had often performed together on stage.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Conversations with Woody Allen: His Films, the Movies, and Moviemaking|last = Lax|first = Eric|publisher = Alfred A. Knopf Doubleday|year = 2007|isbn = 978-0375415333|page = 52}}</ref> |
Among the actors who helped him during his acting career, he credited [[Robert De Niro]], from whom he learned the power of silence and economy of dialog when acting, to portray the deep-driven man. From [[Dustin Hoffman]], with whom he co-starred in ''Hook'', he learned to take on totally different character types, and to transform his characters by extreme preparation. [[Mike Medavoy]], producer of ''Hook'', told its director, [[Steven Spielberg]], that he intentionally teamed up Hoffman and Williams for the film because he knew they wanted to work together, and that Williams welcomed the opportunity of working with Spielberg.<ref>{{Cite book|title = You're Only as Good as Your Next One: 100 Great Films, 100 Good Films, and 100 for Which I Should Be Shot|last = Medavoy|first = Mike|publisher = Simon & Schuster (Altria)|year = 2002|isbn = 9780743400541|location = New York|page = 228|others = Young, Josh (contributor)}}</ref> Williams benefited from working with [[Woody Allen]], who directed him and [[Billy Crystal]] in ''[[Deconstructing Harry]]'' (1997), as Allen knew that Williams and Crystal had often performed together on stage.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Conversations with Woody Allen: His Films, the Movies, and Moviemaking|last = Lax|first = Eric|publisher = Alfred A. Knopf Doubleday|year = 2007|isbn = 978-0375415333|page = 52}}</ref> |
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Williams' |
Williams' penetrative acting in the role of a therapist in ''Good Will Hunting'' (1997) deeply influenced some real therapists and won him an [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]].<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ryan-thomas-neace-/requiem-for-a-therapist-a_b_5670467.html?page_version=legacy&view=print&comm_ref=false|title = Requiem for a Therapist: A Tribute to Robin Williams|date = August 12, 2014|work = Huffington Post|accessdate = 2014-10-23|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6TYMul6HC|archivedate = 2014-10-23|deadurl = no}}</ref> In ''Awakenings'' (1990), Williams played a doctor modeled on [[Oliver Sacks]], who wrote the book on which the film was based. Sacks later said the way Williams' mind worked was a "form of genius." In 1989 Williams played a private school teacher in ''Dead Poets Society'', which included a final, emotional scene which some critics said "inspired a generation" and became a part of pop culture.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/11/robin-williams-o-captain_n_5670177.html|title = Robin Williams and the 'O Captain' Scene That Inspired a Generation|last = Goodman|first = Jessica|date = August 11, 2014|work = Huffington Post|accessdate = 2014-10-23|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6TYNZzpb6|archivedate = 2014-10-23|deadurl = no}}</ref> Looking over most of Williams' films, one writer is "struck by the breadth of Williams' roles," and how radically different most were.<ref name="WP">{{cite news |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act-four/wp/2014/08/11/how-robin-williams-helped-us-grow-up/ |title=How Robin Williams helped us grow up |newspaper=Washington Post |first=Alyssa |last=Rosenberg |date=August 11, 2014|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6TYOdTnDH|archivedate = 2014-10-23|deadurl = no}}</ref> |
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[[Terry Gilliam]], who co-founded ''[[Monty Python]]'' and directed Williams in two of his films, ''The Fisher King'' and ''[[The Adventures of Baron Munchausen]]'' (1988), noted in 1992 that Williams had the ability to "go from manic to mad to tender and vulnerable," adding that to him Williams was "the most unique mind on the planet. There's nobody like him out there."<ref name="Grobel"/> |
[[Terry Gilliam]], who co-founded ''[[Monty Python]]'' and directed Williams in two of his films, ''The Fisher King'' and ''[[The Adventures of Baron Munchausen]]'' (1988), noted in 1992 that Williams had the ability to "go from manic to mad to tender and vulnerable," adding that to him Williams was "the most unique mind on the planet. There's nobody like him out there."<ref name="Grobel"/> |
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[[File:Robin Williams 2011c.jpg|thumb|Williams at the [[Australia]]n premiere of ''[[Happy Feet Two]]'' on December 4, 2011]] |
[[File:Robin Williams 2011c.jpg|thumb|Williams at the [[Australia]]n premiere of ''[[Happy Feet Two]]'' on December 4, 2011]] |
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During his career, he starred as a voice actor in several animated films. His voice role as the [[The Genie|Genie]] in Disney's ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' (1992) was written specifically for Williams. The film's directors stated that they took a risk by writing the role, and successfully convinced him to take it.<ref>video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akOo9XqAyxE&t=2m24s "Turning Robin Williams into 'Aladdin's' Genie"], ''ABC News'', August 15, 2014</ref> Through approximately 30 hours of tape,<ref name="Kornbluth" /> Williams was able to improvise much of his dialogue and impersonated dozens of celebrity voices, including [[Ed Sullivan]], [[Jack Nicholson]], [[Robert De Niro]], [[Groucho Marx]], [[Rodney Dangerfield]], [[William F. Buckley]], [[Peter Lorre]], [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] and [[Arsenio Hall]].<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/08/12/robin-williams-aladdin-eric-goldberg/ |title=Robin Williams in 'Aladdin': Animator Eric Goldberg remembers drawing Genie |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |first=Jeff |last=Labrecque |date=August 12, 2014}}</ref> At first, Williams refused to take the role since it was a Disney movie, and he did not want the studio profiting by selling toys and novelty items based on the movie. He accepted the role with certain conditions: "I'm doing it basically because I want to be part of this animation tradition. I want something for my children. One deal is, I just don't want to sell anything—as in Burger King, as in toys, as in stuff."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/08/15/robin-williams-almost-didnt-make-aladdin-and-a-generation-of-children-are-grateful-that-he-did/ |title=Robin Williams almost didn't make 'Aladdin,' and a generation of children is grateful that he did |newspaper=Washington Post |first=Soraya Nadia |last=McDonald |date=August 15, 2014}}</ref> The film went on to become one of his most recognized and best loved roles, and was the highest grossing film of 1992, winning numerous awards, including a [[Golden Globe]] for Williams; Williams' |
During his career, he starred as a voice actor in several animated films. His voice role as the [[The Genie|Genie]] in Disney's ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' (1992) was written specifically for Williams. The film's directors stated that they took a risk by writing the role, and successfully convinced him to take it.<ref>video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akOo9XqAyxE&t=2m24s "Turning Robin Williams into 'Aladdin's' Genie"], ''ABC News'', August 15, 2014</ref> Through approximately 30 hours of tape,<ref name="Kornbluth" /> Williams was able to improvise much of his dialogue and impersonated dozens of celebrity voices, including [[Ed Sullivan]], [[Jack Nicholson]], [[Robert De Niro]], [[Groucho Marx]], [[Rodney Dangerfield]], [[William F. Buckley]], [[Peter Lorre]], [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] and [[Arsenio Hall]].<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/08/12/robin-williams-aladdin-eric-goldberg/ |title=Robin Williams in 'Aladdin': Animator Eric Goldberg remembers drawing Genie |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |first=Jeff |last=Labrecque |date=August 12, 2014}}</ref> At first, Williams refused to take the role since it was a Disney movie, and he did not want the studio profiting by selling toys and novelty items based on the movie. He accepted the role with certain conditions: "I'm doing it basically because I want to be part of this animation tradition. I want something for my children. One deal is, I just don't want to sell anything—as in Burger King, as in toys, as in stuff."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/08/15/robin-williams-almost-didnt-make-aladdin-and-a-generation-of-children-are-grateful-that-he-did/ |title=Robin Williams almost didn't make 'Aladdin,' and a generation of children is grateful that he did |newspaper=Washington Post |first=Soraya Nadia |last=McDonald |date=August 15, 2014}}</ref> The film went on to become one of his most recognized and best loved roles, and was the highest grossing film of 1992, winning numerous awards, including a [[Golden Globe]] for Williams; Williams' performance as the Genie led the way for other animated films to incorporate actors with more star power for voice acting roles.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2011/10/how-celebrities-took-over-cartoon-voice-acting/247481/ |title=How Celebrities Took Over Cartoon Voice Acting |first=Scott |last=Meslow |date=October 28, 2011 |accessdate=August 17, 2014 |magazine=[[The Atlantic]]}}</ref> |
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Williams continued to provide voices in other animated films, including ''[[FernGully: The Last Rainforest]]'' (1992), ''[[Robots (2005 film)|Robots]]'' (2005), ''[[Happy Feet]]'' (2006), an uncredited vocal performance in ''[[Everyone's Hero]]'' (2006), and ''[[Happy Feet Two]]'' (2011). He also voiced the holographic Dr. Know character in the live-action film ''[[A.I. Artificial Intelligence]]'' (2001). He was the voice of [[The Timekeeper]], a former attraction at the [[Walt Disney World]] Resort about a time-traveling robot who encounters [[Jules Verne]] and brings him to the future.<ref name="Veness2009">{{cite book |last=Veness |first=Susan |title=The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World: Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u0j1qhFi2fMC&pg=PT74 |year=2009 |publisher=Adams Media |isbn=9781440504327 |page=74}}</ref> |
Williams continued to provide voices in other animated films, including ''[[FernGully: The Last Rainforest]]'' (1992), ''[[Robots (2005 film)|Robots]]'' (2005), ''[[Happy Feet]]'' (2006), an uncredited vocal performance in ''[[Everyone's Hero]]'' (2006), and ''[[Happy Feet Two]]'' (2011). He also voiced the holographic Dr. Know character in the live-action film ''[[A.I. Artificial Intelligence]]'' (2001). He was the voice of [[The Timekeeper]], a former attraction at the [[Walt Disney World]] Resort about a time-traveling robot who encounters [[Jules Verne]] and brings him to the future.<ref name="Veness2009">{{cite book |last=Veness |first=Susan |title=The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World: Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u0j1qhFi2fMC&pg=PT74 |year=2009 |publisher=Adams Media |isbn=9781440504327 |page=74}}</ref> |
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In mid-2014, Williams admitted himself into the [[Hazelden Foundation]] Addiction Treatment Center in [[Lindstrom, Minnesota]] for treatment related to his alcoholism.<ref>{{cite web |first=Marcus |last=Errico |title=Robin Williams Dead of Apparent Suicide at 63 |url=https://celebrity.yahoo.com/blogs/celeb-news/robin-williams-dead-of-apparent-suicide-at-63-231414092.html |publisher=Yahoo! |accessdate=August 12, 2014|date = August 11, 2014}}</ref> |
In mid-2014, Williams admitted himself into the [[Hazelden Foundation]] Addiction Treatment Center in [[Lindstrom, Minnesota]] for treatment related to his alcoholism.<ref>{{cite web |first=Marcus |last=Errico |title=Robin Williams Dead of Apparent Suicide at 63 |url=https://celebrity.yahoo.com/blogs/celeb-news/robin-williams-dead-of-apparent-suicide-at-63-231414092.html |publisher=Yahoo! |accessdate=August 12, 2014|date = August 11, 2014}}</ref> |
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His publicist Mara Buxbaum commented that he was suffering from severe depression before his death.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/11/showbiz/robin-williams-dead/ |title=Robin Williams dead; family, friends and fans are 'totally devastated' |first=Alan |last=Duke |publisher=CNN |date=August 12, 2014 |accessdate=August 16, 2014 }}</ref> Williams' |
His publicist Mara Buxbaum commented that he was suffering from severe depression before his death.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/11/showbiz/robin-williams-dead/ |title=Robin Williams dead; family, friends and fans are 'totally devastated' |first=Alan |last=Duke |publisher=CNN |date=August 12, 2014 |accessdate=August 16, 2014 }}</ref> Williams' wife Susan stated that in the period before his death, he had been sober, but was diagnosed with early stage [[Parkinson's disease]], which was something he was "not yet ready to share publicly."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-28796277 |title=Robin Williams 'had Parkinson's' |publisher =BBC News |date=August 14, 2014 |accessdate=August 14, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Taryn |last=Ryder |date=August 15, 2014 |url=https://uk.yahoo.com/movies/wife-robin-williams-had-parkinsons-disease-his-94744481702.html |title=Wife: Robin Williams Had Parkinson's Disease, His Sobriety Intact Before Death |publisher=Yahoo! |accessdate=August 15, 2014}}</ref> |
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==Death== |
==Death== |
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Williams committed suicide on August 11, 2014, at his home in unincorporated [[Paradise Cay, California]] ({{convert|15|mi|km}} north of [[San Francisco]]), at the age of 63.<ref name="MartinN">{{cite news |last=Martin |first=Nick |title=San Francisco Neighbours Mourn Robin Williams |url=http://news.sky.com/story/1317742/san-francisco-neighbours-mourn-robin-williams |accessdate=August 13, 2014 |work=Sky News |date=August 13, 2014|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140813112157/http://news.sky.com/story/1317742/san-francisco-neighbours-mourn-robin-williams|archivedate = August 13, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> In the initial report released on August 12, the Marin County Sheriff's Office deputy coroner stated Williams had hanged himself with a belt and died from [[asphyxia]]tion.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Itzkoff |first1=Dave |last2=Fitzsimmons |first2=Emma G. |title=Robin Williams, Oscar-Winning Comedian, Dies at 63 |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/12/movies/robin-williams-oscar-winning-comedian-dies-at-63.html |date=August 11, 2014 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |accessdate=August 11, 2014|first3 = Bruce|last3 = Weber}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Nordyke |first1=Kimberly |last2=Byrge |first2=Duane |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/robin-williams-dies-suspected-suicide-724724 |title=Robin Williams Dies of Suspected Suicide |date=August 11, 2014 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |accessdate=August 11, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/robin-williams-apparently-committed-suicide-hanging/story?id=24947586 |title=Robin Williams Died in an Apparent Suicide by Hanging |date=August 12, 2014 |first= Lesley |last=Messer |publisher=ABC News}}</ref> It was revealed following his death that Williams had been suffering from severe [[Depression (mood)|depression]], and had been sleeping in a different room from his wife due to restlessness and anxiety caused by his Parkinson's.<ref name="reporter"/> |
Williams committed suicide on August 11, 2014, at his home in unincorporated [[Paradise Cay, California]] ({{convert|15|mi|km}} north of [[San Francisco]]), at the age of 63.<ref name="MartinN">{{cite news |last=Martin |first=Nick |title=San Francisco Neighbours Mourn Robin Williams |url=http://news.sky.com/story/1317742/san-francisco-neighbours-mourn-robin-williams |accessdate=August 13, 2014 |work=Sky News |date=August 13, 2014|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140813112157/http://news.sky.com/story/1317742/san-francisco-neighbours-mourn-robin-williams|archivedate = August 13, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref> In the initial report released on August 12, the Marin County Sheriff's Office deputy coroner stated Williams had hanged himself with a belt and died from [[asphyxia]]tion.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Itzkoff |first1=Dave |last2=Fitzsimmons |first2=Emma G. |title=Robin Williams, Oscar-Winning Comedian, Dies at 63 |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/12/movies/robin-williams-oscar-winning-comedian-dies-at-63.html |date=August 11, 2014 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |accessdate=August 11, 2014|first3 = Bruce|last3 = Weber}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Nordyke |first1=Kimberly |last2=Byrge |first2=Duane |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/robin-williams-dies-suspected-suicide-724724 |title=Robin Williams Dies of Suspected Suicide |date=August 11, 2014 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |accessdate=August 11, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/robin-williams-apparently-committed-suicide-hanging/story?id=24947586 |title=Robin Williams Died in an Apparent Suicide by Hanging |date=August 12, 2014 |first= Lesley |last=Messer |publisher=ABC News}}</ref> It was revealed following his death that Williams had been suffering from severe [[Depression (mood)|depression]], and had been sleeping in a different room from his wife due to restlessness and anxiety caused by his Parkinson's.<ref name="reporter"/> |
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The final autopsy report, released in November 2014, affirmed that Williams had committed suicide as initially described.<ref name="reporter">{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/robin-williams-autopsy-confirms-death-746194|title=Robin Williams: Autopsy Confirms Death by Suicide|author=Soo Youn|work=The Hollywood Reporter|accessdate=February 28, 2015}}</ref> Neither alcohol nor illegal drugs were present, and prescription medications were at therapeutic levels. The report also noted that Williams had been experiencing "a recent increase in paranoia".<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/07/showbiz/robin-williams-autopsy/index.html | title = Robin Williams' death ruled suicide | first = Matthew | last = Stucker | date = November 7, 2014 | accessdate = November 7, 2014| publisher = CNN }}</ref> An examination of his brain tissue revealed the presence of "diffuse [[Dementia with Lewy bodies|Lewy body dementia]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/robin-williams-coroner-report-drugs-alcohol-system-article-1.2003220|title=Robin Williams coroner's report finds no illegal drugs or alcohol in system|publisher=New York Daily News|accessdate = November 11, 2014}}</ref> Williams' |
The final autopsy report, released in November 2014, affirmed that Williams had committed suicide as initially described.<ref name="reporter">{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/robin-williams-autopsy-confirms-death-746194|title=Robin Williams: Autopsy Confirms Death by Suicide|author=Soo Youn|work=The Hollywood Reporter|accessdate=February 28, 2015}}</ref> Neither alcohol nor illegal drugs were present, and prescription medications were at therapeutic levels. The report also noted that Williams had been experiencing "a recent increase in paranoia".<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/07/showbiz/robin-williams-autopsy/index.html | title = Robin Williams' death ruled suicide | first = Matthew | last = Stucker | date = November 7, 2014 | accessdate = November 7, 2014| publisher = CNN }}</ref> An examination of his brain tissue revealed the presence of "diffuse [[Dementia with Lewy bodies|Lewy body dementia]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/robin-williams-coroner-report-drugs-alcohol-system-article-1.2003220|title=Robin Williams coroner's report finds no illegal drugs or alcohol in system|publisher=New York Daily News|accessdate = November 11, 2014}}</ref> Williams' doctors believe that Lewy body dementia "was the critical factor" that led to his suicide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tmz.com/2014/11/11/robin-williams-dementia-lewy-body-parkinsons-suicide-death/|title=Dementia Hallucinations Triggered Suicide|publisher=TMZ|accessdate=November 11, 2014}}</ref> A year later his widow echoed this diagnosis, saying that Williams' suicide was not motivated by depression,<ref>{{cite web|author=Warner, Kara|url=http://www.people.com/article/robin-williams-widow-susan-williams-people|title=Susan Williams Opens up to PEOPLE About Husband's Battle with Lewy Body Dementia|newspaper=[[People (magazine)|People]]|date=3 Nov 2015}}</ref> but by Lewy body dementia and Parkinson's, saying, "If Robin was lucky, he would've had maybe three years left".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-34712651|title=Robin Williams' widow says his health was a nightmare|publisher=BBC|date=3 Nov 2015}}</ref> |
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Williams' |
Williams' body was cremated and his ashes were spread in [[San Francisco Bay]] on August 12.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/21/showbiz/robin-williams-ashes/index.html | title = Robin Williams' ashes scattered in San Francisco Bay | first = Dana | last = Ford | date = August 21, 2014 | accessdate= August 21, 2014 | publisher = CNN }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Death Certificate Indicates Robin Williams Cremated, Ashes Scattered In San Francisco Bay|url=http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/08/21/tabloids-report-robin-williams-cremated-ashes-scattered-in-san-francisco-bay/|website=sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com|accessdate=September 16, 2014|date = August 21, 2014}}</ref> |
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===Tributes=== |
===Tributes=== |
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[[File:Robin williams tribute at mrs doubfire house 2014-08-13.jpg|thumb|One of several fan tributes to Williams, this at the steps of the San Francisco [[Pacific Heights]] home used for ''Mrs. Doubtfire'']] |
[[File:Robin williams tribute at mrs doubfire house 2014-08-13.jpg|thumb|One of several fan tributes to Williams, this at the steps of the San Francisco [[Pacific Heights]] home used for ''Mrs. Doubtfire'']] |
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News of Williams' |
News of Williams' death spread quickly worldwide. The entertainment world, friends, and fans responded to his sudden death through social and other media outlets.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/robin-williams-remembered-by-steve-martin-ellen-degeneres-more/ |title=Robin Williams tributes pour in from Hollywood |publisher=CBS News |date=August 12, 2014|last = Derschowitz|first = Jessica|accessdate = October 29, 2014}}</ref> His wife, Susan Schneider, said: "I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/Marin-County-Sheriffs-Office-Investigating-Death-of-Actor-Robin-Williams-270820641.html |publisher=NBC |title=Beloved Comic, Actor Robin Williams Dead at 63 |date=August 12, 2014|accessdate = October 29, 2014}}</ref> Williams' daughter Zelda responded to her father's death by stating that the "world is forever a little darker, less colorful and less full of laughter in his absence".<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://variety.com/2014/film/news/robin-williams-family-the-world-is-forever-a-little-darker-1201281687/ |title=Robin Williams’ Family: 'The World is Forever a Little Darker' |date=August 12, 2014 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |accessdate=August 12, 2014}}</ref> U.S. President [[Barack Obama]] said of Williams: "He was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien – but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit."<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/11/obama-robin-williams_n_5670241.html|title = Obama Responds To Robin Williams' Death: 'He Was One Of A Kind'|last = Alman|first = Ashley|date = August 11, 2014|work = Huffington Post|accessdate = October 29, 2014|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6ThSvqt3V|archivedate = October 29, 2014|deadurl = no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Barack Obama Calls Actor Robin Williams 'One of a Kind' |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/robin-williams-death/barack-obama-calls-actor-robin-williams-one-kind-n178241 |publisher=NBC News |accessdate=August 17, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20140815140849/http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/robin-williams-death/barack-obama-calls-actor-robin-williams-one-kind-n178241 |archivedate=August 15, 2014 }}</ref> |
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[[Broadway theatre|Broadway theater]]s in [[New York]] dimmed their lights for one minute in his honor. Broadway's ''[[Aladdin (2011 musical)|Aladdin]]'' cast honored Williams by having the audience join them in a sing-along of "[[Friend Like Me]]", an Oscar-nominated song originally sung by Williams in the 1992 film.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cleveland.com/onstage/index.ssf/2014/08/broadways_aladdin_cast_honors.html |title=Broadway's 'Aladdin' cast honors Robin Williams with song |publisher=The Plain Dealer |date=August 14, 2014|website = Cleveland.com|last = Simakis|first = Andrea|accessdate = October 29, 2014}}</ref> Fans of Williams created makeshift memorials at his star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailynews.com/arts-and-entertainment/20140812/fans-mourn-robin-williams-at-hollywood-walk-of-fame-star-autopsy-pending |title=Fans mourn Robin Williams at Hollywood Walk of Fame star, autopsy pending |date=August 12, 2014 |accessdate=August 16, 2014 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Daily News]]|agency = City News Service}}</ref> and at locations from his television and film career, such as the bench in Boston's [[Public Garden (Boston)|Public Garden]] featured in ''[[Good Will Hunting]]'';<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/08/12/boston-fans-fondly-recalling-good-will-hunting-mourn-loss-robin-williams/iKNI4mZAGzBZksXspLpiTM/story.html |title=Boston fans remember Robin Williams |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] |date=August 12, 2014 |accessdate=August 15, 2014 |first1=Brian |last1=MacQuarrie |first2=Laura |last2=Crimaldi}}</ref> the [[Pacific Heights, San Francisco]], home used in ''[[Mrs. Doubtfire]]'';<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-memorial-robin-williams-mrs-doubtfire-house-20140813-story.html | title = Robin Williams memorial grows outside 'Mrs. Doubtfire' house |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |first=Veronica |last=Rocha |date=August 13, 2014 |accessdate = August 16, 2014}}</ref> and the [[Boulder, Colorado]], home used for ''Mork & Mindy''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2014/08/12/mork-mindy-robin-williams-boulder/ |title=Fans remember Robin Williams at 'Mork and Mindy' house |first=Ariana |last=Bacle |date=August 12, 2014 |accessdate=August 15, 2014 |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> It was also reported that a book biography of Williams' |
[[Broadway theatre|Broadway theater]]s in [[New York]] dimmed their lights for one minute in his honor. Broadway's ''[[Aladdin (2011 musical)|Aladdin]]'' cast honored Williams by having the audience join them in a sing-along of "[[Friend Like Me]]", an Oscar-nominated song originally sung by Williams in the 1992 film.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cleveland.com/onstage/index.ssf/2014/08/broadways_aladdin_cast_honors.html |title=Broadway's 'Aladdin' cast honors Robin Williams with song |publisher=The Plain Dealer |date=August 14, 2014|website = Cleveland.com|last = Simakis|first = Andrea|accessdate = October 29, 2014}}</ref> Fans of Williams created makeshift memorials at his star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailynews.com/arts-and-entertainment/20140812/fans-mourn-robin-williams-at-hollywood-walk-of-fame-star-autopsy-pending |title=Fans mourn Robin Williams at Hollywood Walk of Fame star, autopsy pending |date=August 12, 2014 |accessdate=August 16, 2014 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Daily News]]|agency = City News Service}}</ref> and at locations from his television and film career, such as the bench in Boston's [[Public Garden (Boston)|Public Garden]] featured in ''[[Good Will Hunting]]'';<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/08/12/boston-fans-fondly-recalling-good-will-hunting-mourn-loss-robin-williams/iKNI4mZAGzBZksXspLpiTM/story.html |title=Boston fans remember Robin Williams |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] |date=August 12, 2014 |accessdate=August 15, 2014 |first1=Brian |last1=MacQuarrie |first2=Laura |last2=Crimaldi}}</ref> the [[Pacific Heights, San Francisco]], home used in ''[[Mrs. Doubtfire]]'';<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-memorial-robin-williams-mrs-doubtfire-house-20140813-story.html | title = Robin Williams memorial grows outside 'Mrs. Doubtfire' house |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |first=Veronica |last=Rocha |date=August 13, 2014 |accessdate = August 16, 2014}}</ref> and the [[Boulder, Colorado]], home used for ''Mork & Mindy''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2014/08/12/mork-mindy-robin-williams-boulder/ |title=Fans remember Robin Williams at 'Mork and Mindy' house |first=Ariana |last=Bacle |date=August 12, 2014 |accessdate=August 15, 2014 |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> It was also reported that a book biography of Williams' life was in development, to be written by ''New York Times'' writer [[David Itzkoff]].<ref>[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/robin-williams-bio-works-728683 "Robin Williams Bio in the Works"], ''Hollywood Reporter'', Aug. 27, 2014</ref> |
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Williams was memorialized online by Apple, Inc., including sentiments by executives Tim Cook and Phil Schiller, and a dedicated memorial webpage<ref name="Remembering Robin Williams, Apple">{{cite web | title=Robin Williams | publisher=Apple, Inc. | url=http://www.apple.com/remembering-robin-williams/ | deadurl=yes | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813051822/http://www.apple.com/remembering-robin-williams/ | archivedate=August 13, 2014 | accessdate=August 26, 2014}}</ref> which ''MacRumors'' says is a rare distinction shared only by Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, board member Jerry York, and Steve Jobs.<ref name="Apple honors RW at MR">{{cite web | title=Apple Honors Robin Williams With iTunes Store Section Featuring More than 40 Movies, Comedy Routines | date=August 12, 2014 | first=Juli | last=Clover | publisher=MacRumors | url=http://www.macrumors.com/2014/08/12/apple-honors-robin-williams/ | accessdate=August 26, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-robin-williams-memorial-page-2014-8|title=Apple Robin Williams Memorial Page - Business Insider|first=Steven | last=Tweedie|date=August 13, 2014|work=Business Insider|accessdate=December 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/apple-honors-robin-williams-with-tribute-webpage/|title=Apple honors Robin Williams with tribute Web page|date=August 13, 2014|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=CNET|accessdate=December 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/08/13/apple-posts-robin-williams-tribute-page-to-company-website|title=Apple posts Robin Williams tribute page to company website|date=August 13, 2014|work=AppleInsider|accessdate=December 23, 2015}}</ref> |
Williams was memorialized online by Apple, Inc., including sentiments by executives Tim Cook and Phil Schiller, and a dedicated memorial webpage<ref name="Remembering Robin Williams, Apple">{{cite web | title=Robin Williams | publisher=Apple, Inc. | url=http://www.apple.com/remembering-robin-williams/ | deadurl=yes | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813051822/http://www.apple.com/remembering-robin-williams/ | archivedate=August 13, 2014 | accessdate=August 26, 2014}}</ref> which ''MacRumors'' says is a rare distinction shared only by Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, board member Jerry York, and Steve Jobs.<ref name="Apple honors RW at MR">{{cite web | title=Apple Honors Robin Williams With iTunes Store Section Featuring More than 40 Movies, Comedy Routines | date=August 12, 2014 | first=Juli | last=Clover | publisher=MacRumors | url=http://www.macrumors.com/2014/08/12/apple-honors-robin-williams/ | accessdate=August 26, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-robin-williams-memorial-page-2014-8|title=Apple Robin Williams Memorial Page - Business Insider|first=Steven | last=Tweedie|date=August 13, 2014|work=Business Insider|accessdate=December 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/apple-honors-robin-williams-with-tribute-webpage/|title=Apple honors Robin Williams with tribute Web page|date=August 13, 2014|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=CNET|accessdate=December 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/08/13/apple-posts-robin-williams-tribute-page-to-company-website|title=Apple posts Robin Williams tribute page to company website|date=August 13, 2014|work=AppleInsider|accessdate=December 23, 2015}}</ref> |
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On television, during the [[66th Primetime Emmy Awards]] on August 25, 2014, [[Billy Crystal]] presented a tribute to Williams, referring to him as "the brightest star in our comedy galaxy."<ref>[http://guardianlv.com/2014/08/billy-crystal-emmys-tribute-to-robin-williams-expected-to-honor-humor/ "Billy Crystal Emmys Tribute to Robin Williams Expected to Honor Humor"], ''Guardianlv'', August 22, 2014</ref><ref name="Emmys 2014">{{cite news | title=Emmys 2014: Robin Williams given emotional tribute by good friend Billy Crystal | first=Ethan | last=Sacks | date=August 25, 2014 | newspaper=New York Daily News | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/robin-williams-honored-emotional-emmy-tribute-article-1.1916760 | accessdate=August 26, 2014}}</ref> On September 9, 2014, [[PBS]] aired a one-hour special devoted to Williams' |
On television, during the [[66th Primetime Emmy Awards]] on August 25, 2014, [[Billy Crystal]] presented a tribute to Williams, referring to him as "the brightest star in our comedy galaxy."<ref>[http://guardianlv.com/2014/08/billy-crystal-emmys-tribute-to-robin-williams-expected-to-honor-humor/ "Billy Crystal Emmys Tribute to Robin Williams Expected to Honor Humor"], ''Guardianlv'', August 22, 2014</ref><ref name="Emmys 2014">{{cite news | title=Emmys 2014: Robin Williams given emotional tribute by good friend Billy Crystal | first=Ethan | last=Sacks | date=August 25, 2014 | newspaper=New York Daily News | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/robin-williams-honored-emotional-emmy-tribute-article-1.1916760 | accessdate=August 26, 2014}}</ref> On September 9, 2014, [[PBS]] aired a one-hour special devoted to Williams' career,<ref>[http://variety.com/2014/tv/news/robin-williams-tribute-pbs-1201296353/ "Robin Williams Tribute Special to Air on PBS"], ''Variety'', Sept. 2, 2014</ref> and on September 27, 2014, dozens of leading stars and celebrities held a tribute in San Francisco to celebrate his life and career.<ref>[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/robin-williams-life-celebrated-at-736165 "Robin Williams' Life Celebrated at San Francisco Tribute Attended by Family, Industry Friends"], ''Hollywood Reporter'', Sept. 27, 2014</ref> |
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Shortly after his death, [[Disney Channel]], [[Disney XD]], and [[Disney Junior]] all aired the original ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' over the course of a week, with a dedicated drawing of the Genie at the end of each airing before the credits.<ref>[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-networks-air-aladdin-honor-725640 Disney Networks to Air 'Aladdin' in Honor of Robin Williams], ''Hollywood Reporter'', Aug. 14, 2014</ref> |
Shortly after his death, [[Disney Channel]], [[Disney XD]], and [[Disney Junior]] all aired the original ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' over the course of a week, with a dedicated drawing of the Genie at the end of each airing before the credits.<ref>[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-networks-air-aladdin-honor-725640 Disney Networks to Air 'Aladdin' in Honor of Robin Williams], ''Hollywood Reporter'', Aug. 14, 2014</ref> |
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==Legacy and influence== |
==Legacy and influence== |
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[[File:Robin Williams Walk of Fame.jpg|thumb|Williams' |
[[File:Robin Williams Walk of Fame.jpg|thumb|Williams' star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]]]] |
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Although Williams was first recognized as a stand-up comedian and television star, he later became known for acting in film roles of substance and serious drama. He was considered a "national treasure" by many in the entertainment industry and by the public.<ref name=Grobel/><ref>[http://www.showbiz411.com/2014/08/13/glenn-close-on-friend-and-colleague-robin-williams-was-a-world-treasure "Glenn Close on Friend and Colleague: 'Robin Williams Was a World Treasure'"], ''Showbiz411'', August 13, 2014</ref> |
Although Williams was first recognized as a stand-up comedian and television star, he later became known for acting in film roles of substance and serious drama. He was considered a "national treasure" by many in the entertainment industry and by the public.<ref name=Grobel/><ref>[http://www.showbiz411.com/2014/08/13/glenn-close-on-friend-and-colleague-robin-williams-was-a-world-treasure "Glenn Close on Friend and Colleague: 'Robin Williams Was a World Treasure'"], ''Showbiz411'', August 13, 2014</ref> |
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His on-stage energy and improvisational skill became a model for a new generation of stand-up comedians. Many comedians valued the way he worked highly personal issues into his comedy routines, especially his honesty about drug and alcohol addiction, along with depression.<ref name=CSM>[http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2014/0812/Robin-Williams-His-unscripted-riffs-were-not-merely-funny-but-observant-video "Robin Williams: His unscripted riffs were not merely funny, but observant"],(+video), ''Christian Science Monitor'', August 12, 2014</ref> According to media scholar Derek A. Burrill, because of the openness with which Williams spoke about his own life, "probably the most important contribution he made to pop culture, across so many different media, was as Robin Williams the person."<ref name=CSM/> |
His on-stage energy and improvisational skill became a model for a new generation of stand-up comedians. Many comedians valued the way he worked highly personal issues into his comedy routines, especially his honesty about drug and alcohol addiction, along with depression.<ref name=CSM>[http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2014/0812/Robin-Williams-His-unscripted-riffs-were-not-merely-funny-but-observant-video "Robin Williams: His unscripted riffs were not merely funny, but observant"],(+video), ''Christian Science Monitor'', August 12, 2014</ref> According to media scholar Derek A. Burrill, because of the openness with which Williams spoke about his own life, "probably the most important contribution he made to pop culture, across so many different media, was as Robin Williams the person."<ref name=CSM/> |
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Williams' |
Williams' unusual free-form style of comedy became so identified with him that new comedians imitated him. [[Jim Carrey]] impersonated his Mork character early in his own career.<ref>{{YouTube|9zorOqE0j1c|"Jim Carrey Impersonates Robin Williams"}}</ref> His high-spirited style has been credited with paving the way for the growing comedy scene which developed in San Francisco. Young comedians felt more liberated on stage by seeing Williams' spontaneous style: "one moment acting as a bright, mischievous child, then as a wise philosopher or alien from outer space."<ref>Rappoport, Leon. ''Punchlines: The Case for Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Humor'', Greenwood Publishing (2005) p. 136</ref> According to [[Judd Apatow]], Williams' rapid-fire improvisational style was an inspiration as well as an influence for other comedians; however, his talent was unique enough that no one else tried to copy it.<ref name="Browne">Browne, David. "Robin Williams, 1951-2014", ''Rolling Stone'', Sept. 11, 2014 pp. 38-47</ref> |
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As a film actor, Williams' |
As a film actor, Williams' roles often influenced others, both in and out of the film industry. Director [[Chris Columbus (filmmaker)|Chris Columbus]], who directed Williams in ''[[Mrs. Doubtfire]]'', says that watching him work "was a magical and special privilege. His performances were unlike anything any of us had ever seen, they came from some spiritual and otherworldly place."<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.vindy.com/news/2014/aug/13/chris-columbus-speaks-about-life-with-ro/?print|title = Valley native Chris Columbus speaks about life with Robin Williams|date = August 13, 2014|accessdate = October 24, 2014|website = vindy.com}}</ref> |
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Looking over most of Williams' |
Looking over most of Williams' films, Alyssa Rosenberg at ''[[The Washington Post]]'' was "struck by the breadth of Williams' roles", and how radically different most were, writing that "Williams helped us grow up."<ref name="WP"/> |
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==Discography== |
==Discography== |
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*1988: ''Pecos Bill''; narrated a children's book, with music by [[Ry Cooder]] |
*1988: ''Pecos Bill''; narrated a children's book, with music by [[Ry Cooder]] |
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*2003: ''Live 2002''; recorded from a tour on Broadway, 2002 |
*2003: ''Live 2002''; recorded from a tour on Broadway, 2002 |
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*2010: ''Weapons of Self Destruction''; filmed in Washington D.C. during Williams' |
*2010: ''Weapons of Self Destruction''; filmed in Washington D.C. during Williams' national tour<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/artist/236178-Robin-Williams |title=Robin Williams Discography |publisher=Discogs.com |date=2014-08-14 |accessdate=2015-08-19}}</ref> |
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==Awards== |
==Awards== |
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{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Robin Williams}} |
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Robin Williams}} |
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All of Williams' |
All of Williams' comedy albums were nominated for a [[Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album]], with all but two winning. |
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* 1978: [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy]], ''Mork & Mindy''<ref name=bustle>[http://www.bustle.com/articles/37093-did-robin-williams-ever-win-an-emmy-of-course-he-did-he-was-ridiculously-talented "Did Robin Williams Ever Win an Emmy? Of Course He Did — He Was Ridiculously Talented, After All"], ''Bustle'', August 2014</ref> |
* 1978: [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy]], ''Mork & Mindy''<ref name=bustle>[http://www.bustle.com/articles/37093-did-robin-williams-ever-win-an-emmy-of-course-he-did-he-was-ridiculously-talented "Did Robin Williams Ever Win an Emmy? Of Course He Did — He Was Ridiculously Talented, After All"], ''Bustle'', August 2014</ref> |
Revision as of 07:15, 8 January 2016
Robin Williams | |
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![]() Williams in 2011 | |
Born | Robin McLaurin Williams July 21, 1951 |
Died | August 11, 2014 Paradise Cay, California, U.S. | (aged 63)
Cause of death | Suicide by hanging |
Occupation(s) | Actor, comedian |
Years active | 1976–2014 |
Spouses |
|
Children | 3, including Zelda Williams |
Comedy career | |
Medium | Stand-up comedy, film, television |
Genres | Observational comedy, improvisational comedy, character comedy, self-deprecation, surreal humor |
Website | www |
Robin McLaurin Williams (July 21, 1951 – August 11, 2014)[7] was an American actor and comedian. Starting as a stand-up comedian in San Francisco and Los Angeles in the mid-1970s, he is credited with leading San Francisco's comedy renaissance.[8] After rising to fame as Mork in the sitcom Mork & Mindy (1978–82), he went on to establish a career in both stand-up comedy and feature film acting. He was known for his improvisational skills.[9][10]
After his film debut in the musical comedy Popeye (1980), he starred or co-starred in widely acclaimed films, including the comedy-drama The World According to Garp (1982), war comedy Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), dramas Dead Poets Society (1989) and Awakenings (1990), comedy-drama The Fisher King (1991), the animated musical-fantasy Aladdin (1992), drama Good Will Hunting (1997), and psychological thriller One Hour Photo (2002), as well as financial successes such as the fantasy adventure film Hook (1991), comedy Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), fantasy adventure Jumanji (1995), comedy The Birdcage (1996), and fantasy adventure-comedy Night at the Museum (2006).
In 1998, Williams won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Dr. Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting. He also received two Primetime Emmy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and four Grammy Awards throughout his career, and was inducted as a Disney Legend in 2009.
Early life
Childhood
Williams was born at St. Luke's Hospital[11] in Chicago, Illinois. His mother, Laurie McLaurin (1922–2001), was a former model from Jackson, Mississippi, whose great-grandfather was Mississippi senator and governor Anselm J. McLaurin.[12] Williams' father, Robert Fitzgerald Williams, was a senior executive in Ford Motor Company's Lincoln-Mercury Division.[13][14] Williams had two elder half-brothers, Robert and McLaurin.[15][16] While his mother was a practitioner of Christian Science, Williams was raised as an Episcopalian[17][18] and later authored a comedic list, "Top Ten Reasons to be an Episcopalian".[19] During a TV interview on Inside the Actors Studio in 2001, he credited his mother as being an important early influence for his sense of humor, noting also that he tried to make her laugh to gain attention.[20]
Williams attended public elementary school at Gorton Elementary School (now Gorton Community Center) and middle school at Deer Path Junior High School (now Deer Path Middle School),[21] both in Lake Forest, Illinois. He described himself as a quiet and shy child who did not overcome his shyness until he became involved with his high school drama department.[22] Williams' friends recall him as being very funny.[21] In late 1963, when Williams was twelve, his father was transferred to Detroit. They lived in a 40-room farmhouse on 20 acres[13] in suburban Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where he was a student at the private Detroit Country Day School.[21][23] He excelled in school, where he was on the school's soccer team and wrestling team, and became class president.[24]
As Williams' father was away much of the time and his mother also worked, he was attended to by the family's maid, who was his main companion. When Williams was 16, his father took early retirement and the family moved to Tiburon, California.[13][25][26] Following the move, Williams attended Redwood High School in nearby Larkspur. At the time of his graduation in 1969, he was voted "Most Likely Not to Succeed" and "Funniest" by his classmates.[27]
College and Juilliard School
After high school graduation, Williams enrolled at Claremont Men's College in Claremont, California to study political science, then later dropped out to pursue acting.[13][28] Williams then studied theatre for three years at the College of Marin, a community college in Kentfield, California. According to Marin drama professor James Dunn, the depth of Williams' talent first became evident when he was cast in the musical Oliver! as Fagin. Williams was known to improvise during his time in Marin's drama program, putting cast members in hysterics.[29] Dunn called his wife after one late rehearsal to tell her that Williams "was going to be something special."[29]
In 1973, Williams attained a full scholarship to the Juilliard School in New York City. He was one of only 20 students accepted into the freshman class and one of only two students to be accepted by John Houseman into the Advanced Program at the school that year; the other was Christopher Reeve. William Hurt and Mandy Patinkin were also classmates.[30][31] According to Jean Dorsinville, classmate Franklyn Seales was Williams' roommate at Juilliard.[32] Reeve remembered his first impression of Williams when they were two new students at Juilliard: "He wore tie-dyed shirts with track suit bottoms and talked a mile a minute. I'd never seen so much energy contained in one person. He was like an untied balloon that had been inflated and immediately released. I watched in awe as he virtually caromed off the walls of the classrooms and hallways. To say that he was 'on' would be a major understatement."[31]
Williams and Reeve had a class in dialects taught by Edith Skinner, who, Reeve said, was one of the world's leading voice and speech teachers. Skinner had no idea what to make of Williams, adds Reeve, as he [Williams] could instantly perform in many dialects, including Scottish, Irish, English, Russian, and Italian. Their primary acting teacher was Michael Kahn, who was "equally baffled by this human dynamo," notes Reeve. Williams already had a reputation for being funny, but Kahn sometimes criticized his antics as simple stand-up comedy. In a later production, Williams silenced his critics with his convincing role of an old man in The Night of the Iguana, by Tennessee Williams. "He simply was the old man," observed Reeve. "I was astonished by his work and very grateful that fate had thrown us together."[31]
Williams and Reeve remained close friends until Reeve's death in 2004, following his having become a quadriplegic after a horse-riding accident.[31]: 16 Zak, Williams' son, said they were like brothers in their friendship.[33] Williams paid many of Reeve's medical bills and gave financial support to his family.[31][34]
Williams left Juilliard[35][36] during his junior year in 1976 at the suggestion of Houseman, who said there was nothing more Juilliard could teach him.[30][37] His teacher at Juilliard, Gerald Freedman, notes that Williams was a "genius," and the school's conservative and classical style of training did not suit him, therefore no one was surprised that he left.[38]
Career
Stand-up comedy
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/93/Robin_Williams_in_Camp_Phoenix.jpg/220px-Robin_Williams_in_Camp_Phoenix.jpg)
After his family moved to Marin County, Williams began his career doing stand-up comedy shows in the San Francisco Bay Area in the mid-1970s. His first performance took place at the Holy City Zoo, a comedy club in San Francisco, where he worked his way up from tending bar to getting on stage.[39] In the 1960s, San Francisco was a center for a rock music renaissance, hippies, drugs, and a sexual revolution, and in the 1970s, Williams helped lead its "comedy renaissance," writes critic Gerald Nachman.[8]: 6 Williams says he found out about "drugs and happiness" during that period, adding that he saw "the best brains of my time turned to mud,"[30] (a humorous mis-para-phrasing of the opening of Howl by Allen Ginsberg).
In the early 1970s Williams also worked as a mime and was photographed by Daniel Sorine while performing in 1974 in Central Park.[40]
He moved to Los Angeles and continued doing stand-up shows at various clubs, including the Comedy Club, in 1977, where TV producer George Schlatter saw him. Schlatter, realizing that Williams would become an important force in show business, asked him to appear on a revival of his Laugh-In show. The show aired in late 1977 and became his debut TV appearance.[30] Williams also performed a show at the LA Improv that same year for Home Box Office.[41] While the Laugh-In revival failed, it led Williams into a career in television, during which period he continued doing stand-up at comedy clubs, such as the Roxy, to help him keep his improvisational skills sharp.[30][42]
Early influences
Williams has credited other comedians with having influenced and inspired him, including Jonathan Winters, Peter Sellers, Nichols and May, and Lenny Bruce. He attributed their influence to their ability to attract a more intellectual audience by using a higher level of wit.[8]: 43 He also liked Jay Leno for his quickness in ad-libbing comedy routines, and Sid Caesar, whose acts he felt were "precious."[43] Jonathan Winters became his "idol" early in life; Williams first saw him on television at age 8 and paid him homage in interviews throughout his career.[8]: 259 [44] Williams was inspired by Winters's ingenuity, realizing, he said, "that anything is possible, that anything is funny. . . He gave me the idea that it can be free-form, that you can go in and out of things pretty easily."[8]: 260
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1b/Robin_Williams_Aviano.jpg/170px-Robin_Williams_Aviano.jpg)
During an interview in London in 2002, he told Sir Michael Parkinson that Peter Sellers was an important influence, especially his multi-character roles in Dr. Strangelove: "It doesn't get better than that." Williams owned a rare recording of Sellers's early radio Goon Shows. British comedy actors Dudley Moore and Peter Cook were also among his influences, he told Parkinson.[45] Williams was also influenced by Richard Pryor's fearless ability to talk about his personal life on stage, with subjects including his use of drugs and alcohol, and Williams added those kinds of topics during his own performances. By bringing up such personal matters as a form of comedy, he told Parkinson, it was "cheaper than therapy" and gave him a way to release his pent up energy and emotions.[8]: 121
Televised live performances
Williams won a Grammy Award for the recording of his 1979 live show at the Copacabana in New York, "Reality...What a Concept". Some of his later tours, after he became a TV and film star, include An Evening With Robin Williams (1982), Robin Williams: At The Met (1986) and Robin Williams Live on Broadway (2002). The latter broke many long-held records for a comedy show. In some cases, tickets were sold out within thirty minutes of going on sale.[46] In 1986, Williams released A Night at the Met.[47]
After a six-year break, in August 2008, Williams announced a new 26-city tour titled "Weapons of Self-Destruction". He said that this was his last chance to make jokes at the expense of the Bush administration, but by the time the show was staged, only a few minutes covered that subject. The tour started at the end of September 2009 and concluded in New York on December 3, and was the subject of an HBO special on December 8, 2009.[48]
Hardships in performing stand-up
Williams said that partly due to the stress of doing stand-up, he started using drugs and alcohol early in his career. He further said that he never drank or took drugs while on stage but occasionally performed when ill with a hangover from the previous day. During the period he was using cocaine, he said that it made him paranoid when performing on stage.[43]
Williams once described the life of stand-up comedians:
It's a brutal field, man. They burn out. It takes its toll. Plus, the lifestyle—partying, drinking, drugs. If you're on the road, it's even more brutal. You gotta come back down to mellow your ass out, and then performing takes you back up. They flame out because it comes and goes. Suddenly they're hot, and then somebody else is hot. Sometimes they get very bitter. Sometimes they just give up. Sometimes they have a revival thing and they come back again. Sometimes they snap. The pressure kicks in. You become obsessed and then you lose that focus that you need.[8]: 34–35
Some, such as the critic Vincent Canby, were concerned that Williams' monologues were so intense that it seemed as though at any minute his "creative process could reverse into a complete meltdown".[43] But Williams felt secure he could not run out of ideas as the constant change in world events would keep him supplied.[43] He also explained that he often used free association of ideas while improvising in order to keep audience interest.[49] Williams noted that the competitive comedy club atmosphere could cause problems. For example, some comedians accused him of intentionally copying their jokes, although Williams strongly denied ever doing so.[43] Whoopi Goldberg explained that it is difficult for comedians to not pick up and reuse another comedian's material, and that it is done "all the time."[50] He later avoided going to performances of other comedians to deter similar accusations.[50]
During a Playboy magazine interview in 1992, Williams was asked whether he ever feared losing the ability to speak openly about those kinds of events and subjects, and admitted that he would, "if I felt like I was becoming not just dull but a rock, that I still couldn't spark, still fire off or talk about things." While he attributed the recent suicide of novelist Jerzy Kosiński to his fear of losing his creativity and sharpness, Williams felt he could overcome those risks. For that, he credited his father, who he said gave him self-confidence, telling him to never be afraid of talking about subjects which were important to him.[43]
Television career
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After the Laugh-In revival and appearing in the cast of The Richard Pryor Show on NBC, Williams was cast by Garry Marshall as the alien Mork in a 1978 episode of the hit TV series Happy Days.[30][51] Williams impressed the producer with his quirky sense of humor when he sat on his head when asked to take a seat for the audition.[52] As Mork, Williams improvised much of his dialogue and physical comedy, speaking in a high, nasal voice. Mork's appearance was so popular with viewers that it led to the spin-off hit television sitcom Mork & Mindy, which ran from 1978 to 1982; the show was written to accommodate Williams' improvisations. Although he portrayed the same character as in Happy Days, the series was set in the present in Boulder, Colorado instead of the late 1950s in Milwaukee. Mork & Mindy at its peak had a weekly audience of 60 million and was credited with turning Williams into a "superstar."[30] According to critic James Poniewozik, the series was especially popular among young people as Williams became a "man and a child, buoyant, rubber-faced, an endless gusher of invention."[53]
Mork became an extremely popular character, featured on posters, coloring books, lunch-boxes, and other merchandise.[54] Mork & Mindy was such a success in its first season that Williams appeared on the March 12, 1979, cover of Time magazine, then the leading news magazine in the U.S.[55][56] The cover photo, taken by Michael Dressler in 1979, is said to have "[captured] his different sides: the funnyman mugging for the camera, and a sweet, more thoughtful pose that appears on a small TV he holds in his hands" according to Mary Forgione of the Los Angeles Times.[57] This photo was installed in the National Portrait Gallery in the Smithsonian Institution shortly after Williams' death to allow visitors to pay their respects.[57] Williams was also on the cover of the August 23, 1979, issue of Rolling Stone magazine, with the cover photograph taken by famed photographer Richard Avedon.[58][59]
Starting in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, Williams began to reach a wider audience with his stand-up comedy, including three HBO comedy specials, Off the Wall (1978), An Evening with Robin Williams (1982) and Robin Williams: Live at the Met (1986). Also in 1986, Williams co-hosted the 58th Academy Awards.[60]
Williams was also a regular guest on various talk shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson[61] and Late Night with David Letterman, on which he appeared 50 times. Letterman, who knew Williams for nearly 40 years, recalls seeing him first perform as a new comedian at the Comedy Store in Hollywood, where Letterman and other comedians had already been doing stand-up. "He came in like a hurricane," said Letterman, who said he then thought to himself, "Holy crap, there goes my chance in show business."[62]
Williams' stand-up work was a consistent thread through his career, as seen by the success of his one-man show (and subsequent DVD) Robin Williams: Live on Broadway (2002). He was voted 13th on Comedy Central's list "100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time" in 2004.[63]
Williams and Billy Crystal were in an unscripted cameo at the beginning of an episode of the third season of Friends.[64] His many TV appearances included an episode of Whose Line Is It Anyway?,[65] and he starred in an episode of Law and Order: SVU. In 2010, he appeared in a sketch with Robert De Niro on Saturday Night Live, and in 2012, guest-starred as himself in two FX series, Louie and Wilfred.[66] In May 2013, CBS started a new series, The Crazy Ones, starring Williams,[67] but the show was canceled after one season.[68]
Film career
Williams' first film was the 1977 low-budget comedy Can I Do It... 'Til I Need Glasses?. His first major performance was as the title character in Popeye (1980); though the film was a commercial flop, the role allowed Williams to showcase the acting skills previously demonstrated in his television work.[69][70] He also starred as the leading character in The World According to Garp (1982), which Williams considered "may have lacked a certain madness onscreen, but it had a great core".[39] Williams continued with other smaller roles in less successful films, such as The Survivors (1983) and Club Paradise (1986), though he felt these roles did not help advance his film career.[39]
His first major break came from his starring role in director Barry Levinson's Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), which earned Williams a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor.[51] The film takes place in 1965 during the Vietnam War, with Williams playing the role of Adrian Cronauer, a radio "shock jock" who keeps the troops entertained with comedy and sarcasm. Williams was allowed to play the role without a script, improvising most of his lines. Over the microphone, he created voice impressions of people, including Walter Cronkite, Gomer Pyle, Elvis Presley, Mr. Ed and Richard Nixon.[39] "We just let the cameras roll," said producer Mark Johnson, and Williams "managed to create something new for every single take."[71]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/05/Robin_Williams_and_Yola_Czaderska-Hayekat62ndAcademyAwards.jpg/220px-Robin_Williams_and_Yola_Czaderska-Hayekat62ndAcademyAwards.jpg)
Many of his later roles were in comedies tinged with pathos.[72] Williams' roles in comedy and dramatic films garnered him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (for his role as a psychologist in Good Will Hunting),[51] as well as two previous Academy Award nominations (for playing an English teacher in Dead Poets Society (1989), and for playing a troubled homeless man in The Fisher King (1991)).[51] In 1991, he played an adult Peter Pan in the movie Hook, although he had said that he would have to lose twenty-five pounds.[73]
Other roles Williams had in acclaimed dramatic films include Moscow on the Hudson (1984), Awakenings (1990) and What Dreams May Come (1998).[74] In the 2002 film Insomnia, Williams portrayed a writer/killer on the run from a sleep-deprived Los Angeles policeman (played by Al Pacino) in rural Alaska.[75] Also in 2002, in the psychological thriller One Hour Photo, Williams played an emotionally disturbed photo development technician who becomes obsessed with a family for whom he has developed pictures for a long time.[76] The last Williams movie released during his lifetime was The Angriest Man in Brooklyn, a film addressing the value of life. In it, Williams played Henry Altmann, a terminally ill man who reassesses his life and works to redeem himself.
Among the actors who helped him during his acting career, he credited Robert De Niro, from whom he learned the power of silence and economy of dialog when acting, to portray the deep-driven man. From Dustin Hoffman, with whom he co-starred in Hook, he learned to take on totally different character types, and to transform his characters by extreme preparation. Mike Medavoy, producer of Hook, told its director, Steven Spielberg, that he intentionally teamed up Hoffman and Williams for the film because he knew they wanted to work together, and that Williams welcomed the opportunity of working with Spielberg.[77] Williams benefited from working with Woody Allen, who directed him and Billy Crystal in Deconstructing Harry (1997), as Allen knew that Williams and Crystal had often performed together on stage.[78]
Williams' penetrative acting in the role of a therapist in Good Will Hunting (1997) deeply influenced some real therapists and won him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.[79] In Awakenings (1990), Williams played a doctor modeled on Oliver Sacks, who wrote the book on which the film was based. Sacks later said the way Williams' mind worked was a "form of genius." In 1989 Williams played a private school teacher in Dead Poets Society, which included a final, emotional scene which some critics said "inspired a generation" and became a part of pop culture.[80] Looking over most of Williams' films, one writer is "struck by the breadth of Williams' roles," and how radically different most were.[81]
Terry Gilliam, who co-founded Monty Python and directed Williams in two of his films, The Fisher King and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988), noted in 1992 that Williams had the ability to "go from manic to mad to tender and vulnerable," adding that to him Williams was "the most unique mind on the planet. There's nobody like him out there."[43]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Robin_Williams_2011c.jpg/220px-Robin_Williams_2011c.jpg)
During his career, he starred as a voice actor in several animated films. His voice role as the Genie in Disney's Aladdin (1992) was written specifically for Williams. The film's directors stated that they took a risk by writing the role, and successfully convinced him to take it.[82] Through approximately 30 hours of tape,[13] Williams was able to improvise much of his dialogue and impersonated dozens of celebrity voices, including Ed Sullivan, Jack Nicholson, Robert De Niro, Groucho Marx, Rodney Dangerfield, William F. Buckley, Peter Lorre, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Arsenio Hall.[83] At first, Williams refused to take the role since it was a Disney movie, and he did not want the studio profiting by selling toys and novelty items based on the movie. He accepted the role with certain conditions: "I'm doing it basically because I want to be part of this animation tradition. I want something for my children. One deal is, I just don't want to sell anything—as in Burger King, as in toys, as in stuff."[84] The film went on to become one of his most recognized and best loved roles, and was the highest grossing film of 1992, winning numerous awards, including a Golden Globe for Williams; Williams' performance as the Genie led the way for other animated films to incorporate actors with more star power for voice acting roles.[85]
Williams continued to provide voices in other animated films, including FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992), Robots (2005), Happy Feet (2006), an uncredited vocal performance in Everyone's Hero (2006), and Happy Feet Two (2011). He also voiced the holographic Dr. Know character in the live-action film A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001). He was the voice of The Timekeeper, a former attraction at the Walt Disney World Resort about a time-traveling robot who encounters Jules Verne and brings him to the future.[86]
Williams was a devoted fan of Isaac Asimov, and his interest in Asimov was reflected in his selection of the lead role in the 1999 film Bicentennial Man, the story of a robot that seeks to become human over 200 years, which was based on the 1976 Asimov short story The Bicentennial Man.[87][88] In 2006, he starred in The Night Listener, a thriller about a radio show host who realizes that a child with whom he has developed a friendship may or may not exist; that year, he starred in five movies, including Man of the Year,[74] was the Surprise Guest at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards[89] and appeared on an episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition that aired on January 30, 2006.[90]
At the time of his death in 2014, Williams had appeared in four movies not yet released: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, A Merry Friggin' Christmas, Boulevard and Absolutely Anything.[91] Williams was also set to reprise his role in a permanently shelved sequel to the film Mrs. Doubtfire (1993).[92]
Theater work
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Williams appeared opposite Steve Martin at Lincoln Center in an off-Broadway production of Waiting for Godot in 1988.[93][94] He made his Broadway acting debut in Rajiv Joseph's Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, which opened at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on March 31, 2011.[95] He headlined his own one-man show, Robin Williams: Live on Broadway, that played at the Broadway theatre in July 2002.[96]
Personal life
Marriages and children
Williams married his first wife Valerie Velardi in June 1978, following a live-in relationship with comedian Elayne Boosler.[97] Velardi and Williams met in 1976 while he was working as a bartender at a tavern in San Francisco. Their son Zachary Pym "Zak" Williams was born in 1983.[98] Williams and Velardi divorced in 1988.[99]
On April 30, 1989, he married Marsha Garces, Zachary's nanny, who was pregnant with his child. They had two children, Zelda Rae Williams (born 1989) and Cody Alan Williams (born 1991). In March 2008, Garces filed for divorce from Williams, citing irreconcilable differences.[100][101] Their divorce was finalized in 2010.[102] Williams married his third wife, graphic designer Susan Schneider, on October 22, 2011, in St. Helena, California.[103]
Williams stated, "My children give me a great sense of wonder. Just to see them develop into these extraordinary human beings."[104]
Other interests
Williams was a member of the Episcopal Church.[105] He described his denomination in a comedy routine as "Catholic Lite—same rituals, half the guilt."[106] He has also described himself as an "honorary Jew,"[107] and on Israel's 60th Independence Day in 2008, he appeared in Times Square, along with several other celebrities to wish Israel a happy birthday.[108]
Williams became a devoted cycling enthusiast, having taken up the sport partly as a substitute for drugs. Eventually, he accumulated a large bicycle collection of his own and became a fan of professional road cycling, often traveling to racing events, such as the Tour de France.[109][110]
Philanthropy
In 1986, Williams teamed up with Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal to found Comic Relief USA, an annual HBO television benefit devoted to the homeless, which has raised US$80 million, as of 2014.[111] Bob Zmuda, creator of Comic Relief, explains that Williams felt blessed because he came from a wealthy home, but wanted to do something to help those less fortunate.[112] Williams made benefit appearances to support literacy and women's rights, along with appearing at benefits for veterans. He was a regular on the USO circuit, where he traveled to 13 countries and performed to approximately 100,000 troops.[113] After his death, the USO thanked him "for all he did for the men and women of our armed forces."[114]
Williams and his second wife Marsha founded the Windfall Foundation, a philanthropic organization to raise money for many charities. In December 1999, he sang in French on the BBC-inspired music video of international celebrities doing a cover of The Rolling Stones' "It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)" for the charity Children's Promise.[115]
In response to the 2010 Canterbury earthquake, he donated all proceeds of his "Weapons of Self Destruction" Christchurch performance to help rebuild the New Zealand city. Half the proceeds were donated to the Red Cross and half to the mayoral building fund.[116] Williams performed with the USO for U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.[117]
For several years, Williams supported St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.[118]
Addiction and health problems
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Williams had an addiction to cocaine.[51][119] He was a casual friend of John Belushi,[43] and the sudden death of Belushi, with the birth of his son Zak, prompted him to quit drugs and alcohol: "Was it a wake-up call? Oh yeah, on a huge level. The grand jury helped, too."[51] Williams turned to exercise and cycling to help alleviate his depression shortly after Belushi's death. According to bicycle shop owner Tony Tom, Williams stated, "cycling saved my life."[120][121][122]
In 2003, he started drinking alcohol again while working on the film The Big White in Alaska.[119] In 2006, he checked himself in to a substance-abuse rehabilitation center in Newberg, Oregon, saying he was an alcoholic.[123][124]
Years afterward, Williams acknowledged his failure to maintain sobriety, but said he never returned to using cocaine, declaring in a 2010 interview "No. Cocaine – paranoid and impotent, what fun. There was no bit of me thinking, 'ooh, let's go back to that.' Useless conversations until midnight, waking up at dawn feeling like a vampire on a day pass. No."[119]
In March 2009, he was hospitalized due to heart problems. He postponed his one-man tour for surgery to replace his aortic valve.[125][126] The surgery was completed on March 13, 2009, at the Cleveland Clinic.[127]
In mid-2014, Williams admitted himself into the Hazelden Foundation Addiction Treatment Center in Lindstrom, Minnesota for treatment related to his alcoholism.[128]
His publicist Mara Buxbaum commented that he was suffering from severe depression before his death.[129] Williams' wife Susan stated that in the period before his death, he had been sober, but was diagnosed with early stage Parkinson's disease, which was something he was "not yet ready to share publicly."[130][131]
Death
Williams committed suicide on August 11, 2014, at his home in unincorporated Paradise Cay, California (15 miles (24 km) north of San Francisco), at the age of 63.[132] In the initial report released on August 12, the Marin County Sheriff's Office deputy coroner stated Williams had hanged himself with a belt and died from asphyxiation.[133][134][135] It was revealed following his death that Williams had been suffering from severe depression, and had been sleeping in a different room from his wife due to restlessness and anxiety caused by his Parkinson's.[136]
The final autopsy report, released in November 2014, affirmed that Williams had committed suicide as initially described.[136] Neither alcohol nor illegal drugs were present, and prescription medications were at therapeutic levels. The report also noted that Williams had been experiencing "a recent increase in paranoia".[137] An examination of his brain tissue revealed the presence of "diffuse Lewy body dementia".[138] Williams' doctors believe that Lewy body dementia "was the critical factor" that led to his suicide.[139] A year later his widow echoed this diagnosis, saying that Williams' suicide was not motivated by depression,[140] but by Lewy body dementia and Parkinson's, saying, "If Robin was lucky, he would've had maybe three years left".[141]
Williams' body was cremated and his ashes were spread in San Francisco Bay on August 12.[142][143]
Tributes
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d2/Robin_williams_tribute_at_mrs_doubfire_house_2014-08-13.jpg/220px-Robin_williams_tribute_at_mrs_doubfire_house_2014-08-13.jpg)
News of Williams' death spread quickly worldwide. The entertainment world, friends, and fans responded to his sudden death through social and other media outlets.[144] His wife, Susan Schneider, said: "I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken."[145] Williams' daughter Zelda responded to her father's death by stating that the "world is forever a little darker, less colorful and less full of laughter in his absence".[146] U.S. President Barack Obama said of Williams: "He was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien – but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit."[147][148]
Broadway theaters in New York dimmed their lights for one minute in his honor. Broadway's Aladdin cast honored Williams by having the audience join them in a sing-along of "Friend Like Me", an Oscar-nominated song originally sung by Williams in the 1992 film.[149] Fans of Williams created makeshift memorials at his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame[150] and at locations from his television and film career, such as the bench in Boston's Public Garden featured in Good Will Hunting;[151] the Pacific Heights, San Francisco, home used in Mrs. Doubtfire;[152] and the Boulder, Colorado, home used for Mork & Mindy.[153] It was also reported that a book biography of Williams' life was in development, to be written by New York Times writer David Itzkoff.[154]
Williams was memorialized online by Apple, Inc., including sentiments by executives Tim Cook and Phil Schiller, and a dedicated memorial webpage[155] which MacRumors says is a rare distinction shared only by Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, board member Jerry York, and Steve Jobs.[156][157][158][159]
On television, during the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards on August 25, 2014, Billy Crystal presented a tribute to Williams, referring to him as "the brightest star in our comedy galaxy."[160][161] On September 9, 2014, PBS aired a one-hour special devoted to Williams' career,[162] and on September 27, 2014, dozens of leading stars and celebrities held a tribute in San Francisco to celebrate his life and career.[163]
Shortly after his death, Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior all aired the original Aladdin over the course of a week, with a dedicated drawing of the Genie at the end of each airing before the credits.[164]
British heavy metal band Iron Maiden did a tribute to Williams on their 2015 album The Book of Souls with the song "Tears of a Clown". Blizzard Entertainment added a tribute to the game World of Warcraft in the form of a magic lamp that summons a genie named Robin.[165]
As a result of his death, the name "Robin Williams" became the single fastest growing search term on Google in 2014,[166] accompanied by a rise in searches for the phrase "carpe diem" as associated with Dead Poets Society.[167]
Legacy and influence
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Although Williams was first recognized as a stand-up comedian and television star, he later became known for acting in film roles of substance and serious drama. He was considered a "national treasure" by many in the entertainment industry and by the public.[43][168]
His on-stage energy and improvisational skill became a model for a new generation of stand-up comedians. Many comedians valued the way he worked highly personal issues into his comedy routines, especially his honesty about drug and alcohol addiction, along with depression.[169] According to media scholar Derek A. Burrill, because of the openness with which Williams spoke about his own life, "probably the most important contribution he made to pop culture, across so many different media, was as Robin Williams the person."[169]
Williams' unusual free-form style of comedy became so identified with him that new comedians imitated him. Jim Carrey impersonated his Mork character early in his own career.[170] His high-spirited style has been credited with paving the way for the growing comedy scene which developed in San Francisco. Young comedians felt more liberated on stage by seeing Williams' spontaneous style: "one moment acting as a bright, mischievous child, then as a wise philosopher or alien from outer space."[171] According to Judd Apatow, Williams' rapid-fire improvisational style was an inspiration as well as an influence for other comedians; however, his talent was unique enough that no one else tried to copy it.[172]
As a film actor, Williams' roles often influenced others, both in and out of the film industry. Director Chris Columbus, who directed Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire, says that watching him work "was a magical and special privilege. His performances were unlike anything any of us had ever seen, they came from some spiritual and otherworldly place."[173]
Looking over most of Williams' films, Alyssa Rosenberg at The Washington Post was "struck by the breadth of Williams' roles", and how radically different most were, writing that "Williams helped us grow up."[81]
Discography
- 1979: Reality...What a Concept!
- 1983: Throbbing Python of Love
- 1986: A Night at the Met
- 1987: Good Morning Vietnam Soundtrack
- 1988: Pecos Bill; narrated a children's book, with music by Ry Cooder
- 2003: Live 2002; recorded from a tour on Broadway, 2002
- 2010: Weapons of Self Destruction; filmed in Washington D.C. during Williams' national tour[174]
Awards
All of Williams' comedy albums were nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album, with all but two winning.
- 1978: Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy, Mork & Mindy[175]
- 1980: Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy, Mork & Mindy[176]
- 1980: Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album, Reality... What a Concept[176]
- 1987: Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, Good Morning, Vietnam[175]
- 1988: Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album, A Night at the Met[176]
- 1987: Emmy Award: Outstanding Individual Performance In A Variety Or Music Program, "Carol Burnett Special: Carol, Carl, Whoopi & Robin"[175][177]
- 1988: Emmy Award: Outstanding Individual Performance In A Variety Or Music Program, "ABC Presents a Royal Gala"[175][177]
- 1989: Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album, Good Morning Vietnam[176]
- 1991: Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, The Fisher King[175]
- 1993: Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, Mrs. Doubtfire[175]
- 1996: Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, The Birdcage[178]
- 1997: Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, Good Will Hunting[175]
- 1997: Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role, Good Will Hunting[178]
- 2003: Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album, Robin Williams Live – 2002[176]
- 2005: Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award[179]
See also
- Robin Williams filmography
- List of actors with two or more Academy Award nominations in acting categories
References
Footnotes
- ^ "Rolling Stone Interview" (PDF). 2008. Retrieved August 13, 2014.
- ^ "Jonathan Winters, who influenced Jim Carrey and Robin Williams, among others, dead at 87". National Post. April 12, 2013. Retrieved August 13, 2014.
- ^ Williams, Robin (November 14, 2006). "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" (Interview). Interviewed by Conan O'Brien. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
- ^ a b c Williams, Robin. "Robin Williams, Parkinson interview 2002" (Interview). Interviewed by Michael Parkinson. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
- ^ "Free Time | Caliendo hopes 'Frank TV' makes good first impression". Pantagraph.com. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
- ^ Stated in interview on Inside the Actors Studio
- ^ Sources conflict. The print biographies The Life and Humor of Robin Williams: A Biography and Robin Williams: A Biography give his birth year as 1952. The Robin Williams Scrapbook also gives a birth year as 1952, as does Encyclopædia Britannica. Williams refers to himself as being "55" in an interview published July 4, 2007. Monk, Katherine (July 4, 2007). "Marriage 101 with Robin Williams". Canada.com. He also verifies his date of birth as July 21, 1951 in a fansite interview: Stuurman, Linda. RWF talks with Robin Williams: Proost!, May 25, 2008.
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ignored (|url-status=
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suggested) (help) - ^ "Top 10 Reasons to be an Episcopalian (from the comedian Robin Williams, who is an Episcopalian, on a recent HBO special) – Ebb and Flow , the online newsletter of St. Augustine by the Sea Episcopal Church, Santa Monica, California". Saint-augustine.org. September 2002. Archived from the original on October 14, 2002. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
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ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help)CS1 maint: location (link) - ^ Terry Gross (host) (August 3, 2006). "Robin Williams: 'The Night Listener'". Fresh Air from WHYY (Radio). National Public Radio.
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Bibliography
- Jay David (1999). The Life and Humor of Robin Williams: A Biography. New York: Quill. ISBN 978-0-688-15245-1.
- Andy Dougan (1999). Robin Williams: A Biography. Thunder's Mouth Press. ISBN 978-1-56025-213-9.
- Stephen J. Spignesi (1997). The Robin Williams Scrapbook. Secaucus, NJ: Carol Pub. ISBN 978-0-8065-1891-6.
Further reading
- "Special Edition: The Death of Robin Williams". Nightline. ABC News. August 11, 2014.
- "The Life and Death of Robin Williams". 2020. ABC News. August 12, 2014.
- Weisman, Aly (August 13, 2014). "Robin Williams set up a 3-part trust fund for his kids amid money troubles before death". Business Insider.
- "Peter Travers on 9 of His Favorite Robin Williams Performances – Rolling Stone's film critic weighs in on the late actor and comedian's best work".
External links
- Official website
- Robin Williams at Curlie
- Robin Williams at the Internet Broadway Database
- Robin Williams at IMDb
- Template:Mojo name
- Robin Williams at Find a Grave
- Robin Williams on X (archive)
- Robin Williams at the TCM Movie Database
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