Robin McLaurin Williams (July 21, 1951 – August 11, 2014) 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. 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.
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 the Night at the Museum trilogy.
In 1998, Williams won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Dr. Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting. In addition, Williams was nominated thrice in the Best Actor for his performances in Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society and The Fisher King. 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.
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In 1973 Robin got accepted into Julliard. He roomed with Christopher Reeve and they became very close friends up until Christopher Reeves death in 2004.
Robin appeared as "Mork" in an episode of the TV show Happy Days.
Mork, attempts to take Richie Cunningham back to his planet of Ork as a human specimen, but his plan is foiled by Fonzie. In the initial broadcast of this episode, it all turned out to be a dream that Richie had, but when Mork proved so popular, the ending was re-edited to show Mork erasing the experience from everyones minds, thus meaning the event had actually happened and was not a dream
His first major performance was as the title character in Popeye (1981); though the film was a commercial flop, the role allowed Williams to showcase the acting skills previously demonstrated in his television work.
Robin appeared as "Mork" in an episode of the TV show Happy Days.
Mork, attempts to take Richie Cunningham back to his planet of Ork as a human specimen, but his plan is foiled by Fonzie. In the initial broadcast of this episode, it all turned out to be a dream that Richie had, but when Mork proved so popular, the ending was re-edited to show Mork erasing the experience from everyones minds, thus meaning the event had actually happened and was not a dream
His first major performance was as the title character in Popeye (1981); though the film was a commercial flop, the role allowed Williams to showcase the acting skills previously demonstrated in his television work.
In 1973 Robin got accepted into Julliard. He roomed with Christopher Reeve and they became very close friends up until Christopher Reeves death in 2004.
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 $80 million, as of 2014
Williams's 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).
On August 11, 2014, Williams committed suicide in his home in Paradise Cay, California at age 63. An examination of his brain tissue revealed the presence of "diffuse Lewy body dementia," which may have been misdiagnosed as Parkinsons disease. Williams doctors reportedly believe that Lewy body dementia "was the critical factor" that led to his suicide. His body was cremated and his ashes were scattered in San Francisco Bay on August 12
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.
Josh from Los Angeles wrote on June 26, 2017 at 7:46 pm:
Robin was an extraordinary man. There are many in the acting community who will deeply mourn his passing as his was a life of service, love, compassion and excellence. May he rest in peace.
Ben wrote on June 26, 2017 at 7:42 pm:
Goodwill Hunting is my favorite movie and your role and acting was awesome. RIP
Christina from Hershey wrote on June 26, 2017 at 7:37 pm:
Robin you were one of my favorite actors and your acting will be deeply missed.
Bob from Harrisburg wrote on May 5, 2016 at 8:34 pm:
Robin was a great friend and deeply missed by many. I'm glad to see others can celebrate his life with their pictures and stories about him. Take care my friend and I will see you again someday.
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