Robin Williams
- Born:
- July 21, 1951, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Died:
- August 11, 2014, Paradise Cay, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Comedian, Voice Actor, Producer
Early Life and Education
- Born Robin McLaurin Williams in Chicago, Illinois.
- Moved frequently during his childhood due to his father's work as a Ford Motor Company executive.
- Showed early talent for impersonations and comedy.
- Attended Detroit Country Day School and later Redwood High School in Larkspur, California.
- Studied Political Science at Claremont Men's College before pursuing Theatre at College of Marin.
- Received a scholarship to the Juilliard School in New York City, studying under John Houseman.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his career as a stand-up comedian in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Gained national recognition for his role as Mork in the television sitcom Mork & Mindy (1978-1982).
- Transitioned to film acting, achieving critical and commercial success.
- Won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Good Will Hunting (1997).
- Received multiple Golden Globe Awards, Grammy Awards, and Primetime Emmy Awards.
- Known for his improvisational skills, manic energy, and wide range of comedic and dramatic roles.
- Starred in numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films.
Notable Works
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Popeye | Popeye |
| 1987 | Good Morning, Vietnam | Adrian Cronauer |
| 1989 | Dead Poets Society | John Keating |
| 1991 | The Fisher King | Parry |
| 1992 | Aladdin | Genie (voice) |
| 1993 | Mrs. Doubtfire | Daniel Hillard / Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire |
| 1997 | Good Will Hunting | Dr. Sean Maguire |
| 2006 | Night at the Museum | Teddy Roosevelt |
Television
- Mork & Mindy (1978-1982)
- Whose Line Is It Anyway? (Multiple Appearances)
- Homicide: Life on the Street (1994)
Legacy and Impact
Robin Williams is remembered as one of the most gifted and versatile performers of his generation. His comedic brilliance, improvisational skills, and ability to connect with audiences through both humor and pathos left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. The extensive body of work associated with his name, as documented in any 'renee c byer biography of williams', continues to entertain and inspire.