Robin McLaurin Williams was born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Robert Fitzgerald Williams, a senior executive at Ford Motor Company, and Laurie McLaurin, a former model. Williams had two elder half-brothers.
Williams attended Redwood High School in Marin County, California, where he was voted "Most Likely Not to Succeed" by his classmates. Despite this early setback, Williams went on to study at the prestigious Juilliard Drama School in New York City, where he met his good friend Christopher Reeve. It was at Juilliard that Williams began to hone his comedic skills and develop his unique style of improv comedy.
After graduating from Juilliard, Williams moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting. He soon landed his breakthrough role as the lovable alien Mork in the hit TV series "Mork and Mindy," which ran from 1978 to 1982. Williams' hilarious portrayal of Mork catapulted him to fame and made him a household name.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Williams starred in a string of hit films, including "Good Morning, Vietnam," "Dead Poets Society," "Hook," and "Mrs. Doubtfire." His comedic timing and infectious energy endeared him to audiences around the world, and he quickly became one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood.
In 1997, Williams won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Good Will Hunting," solidifying his status as one of the greatest actors of his generation. He continued to take on challenging and diverse roles in films such as "Patch Adams," "Jumanji," and the "Night at the Museum" series.
Williams also found success as a voice actor, lending his talents to the beloved character of the Genie in Disney's "Aladdin" films. His improvisational skills and larger-than-life personality brought the character to life in a way that no one else could.
Williams married three times and had three children. His daughter Zelda Rae Williams followed in his footsteps and became an actress, while his two sons Zachary and Cody have largely stayed out of the spotlight. Williams struggled with addiction and depression throughout his life, and tragically, he took his own life in 2014.
Despite his personal struggles, Williams will always be remembered as a comedic genius and a true master of his craft. His ability to make people laugh, to uplift their spirits, and to bring joy to the world will never be forgotten. Robin Williams may be gone, but his legacy lives on through his unforgettable performances and the impact he had on the world of entertainment.