# Robin Williams

> American actor and comedian (1951–2014)

**Wikidata**: [Q83338](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q83338)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Williams)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robin-williams

## Summary
Robin Williams was an American actor and comedian (1951–2014) known for his iconic roles in films like *Good Morning, Vietnam* (1987), *Dead Poets Society* (1989), and *Mrs. Doubtfire* (1993), as well as his groundbreaking stand-up comedy. He was a prolific performer who bridged theater, film, and television, earning multiple awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for *Good Will Hunting* (1997).

## Biography
- Born: July 21, 1951, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education:
  - Attended Juilliard School (1972–1974)
  - Studied at Claremont McKenna College (1969–1972)
- Known for: Pioneering roles in comedy and drama, blending physical comedy with emotional depth
- Employer(s):
  - Columbia Records (associated with)
  - SAG-AFTRA (member)
  - Screen Actors Guild (member)
- Field(s):
  - Acting (film, television, theater)
  - Stand-up comedy
  - Voice acting
  - Screenwriting
  - Film producing

## Contributions
- **Films**:
  - *Good Morning, Vietnam* (1987) – Played Adrian Cronauer, a disillusioned soldier
  - *Dead Poets Society* (1989) – Played John Keating, an inspirational English teacher
  - *Mrs. Doubtfire* (1993) – Played Daniel Hillard, a nanny disguised as a woman
  - *Jumanji* (1995) – Played Alan Parrish, a father trapped in a magical board game
  - *Good Will Hunting* (1997) – Played Sean Maguire, a janitor with a genius IQ
- **Television**:
  - *Mork & Mindy* (1978–1982) – Played Mork, an alien from the planet Ork
  - *Aladdin* (1994) – Provided the voice of the Genie
  - *Toy Story* (1995) – Voiced Woody, the cowboy doll
- **Stage**:
  - Performed in *The Odd Couple* (1984) and *The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail* (1985)
- **Awards**:
  - Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (1998) for *Good Will Hunting*
  - Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (1998) for *Good Will Hunting*
  - Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role (1998) for *Good Will Hunting*
  - Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album (1997) for *Robin Williams: Live on Broadway*
- **Legacy**:
  - Inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2015)
  - Named a Disney Legend (1997)
  - Influenced generations of comedians and actors through his unique physical comedy style

## FAQs
**What was Robin Williams most famous for?**
Robin Williams was famous for his iconic roles in films like *Good Morning, Vietnam*, *Dead Poets Society*, and *Mrs. Doubtfire*, as well as his stand-up comedy and voice acting in *Aladdin* and *Toy Story*.

**Where did Robin Williams study?**
Robin Williams attended Claremont McKenna College (1969–1972) and later studied at the Juilliard School (1972–1974).

**What awards did Robin Williams win?**
Robin Williams won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, all for his role in *Good Will Hunting* (1997). He also received a Grammy Award for his comedy album.

**What was Robin Williams' first major film role?**
Robin Williams' first major film role was in *Popeye* (1980), where he played Olive Oyl.

**Who were Robin Williams' notable collaborators?**
Robin Williams collaborated with directors like Stanley Kubrick (*A Clockwork Orange*, 1971) and Gary Trousdale (*Aladdin*, 1992). He also worked with comedians like Mel Brooks and George Carlin.

## Why They Matter
Robin Williams mattered as a groundbreaking performer who redefined comedy and drama in film and television. His ability to blend physical comedy with emotional depth made him a standout in Hollywood. His influence extended beyond acting, as he was a pioneer in voice acting and stand-up comedy. Williams' legacy endures through his iconic roles, which continue to inspire actors and comedians today. His work in *Good Will Hunting* and *Mrs. Doubtfire* demonstrated his versatility, earning him critical acclaim and multiple awards. Williams' contributions to entertainment have left an indelible mark on the industry, ensuring his place as one of the most influential performers of his generation.

## Notable For
- First actor to win an Academy Award for a role in a film he did not direct (*Good Will Hunting*, 1997)
- Pioneered the use of physical comedy in mainstream Hollywood films
- Voice of the Genie in *Aladdin* (1992) and Woody in *Toy Story* (1995)
- Starred in *Dead Poets Society* (1989), a film that became a cultural phenomenon
- Won a Grammy Award for his stand-up comedy special *Robin Williams: Live on Broadway* (1996)
- Inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2015) for his contributions to entertainment
- Named a Disney Legend (1997) for his voice acting work
- Influenced generations of comedians and actors with his unique style of humor

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Robin McLaurin Williams was born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, to Robert Williams, a jazz musician, and Laurie McLaurin, a schoolteacher. He grew up in San Francisco and later attended Claremont McKenna College (1969–1972), where he studied theater. He later enrolled at the Juilliard School (1972–1974) to pursue acting.

### Career Beginnings
Williams began his career in theater, performing in productions like *The Odd Couple* (1984) and *The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail* (1985). His breakthrough came in television with *Mork & Mindy* (1978–1982), where he played Mork, an alien from the planet Ork. This role catapulted him to fame and established him as a comedic actor.

### Film Career
Williams transitioned to film with roles in *Popeye* (1980) and *The World According to Garp* (1982). His performance in *Good Morning, Vietnam* (1987) as Adrian Cronauer, a disillusioned soldier, earned him critical acclaim. He followed this with *Dead Poets Society* (1989), where he played John Keating, an inspirational English teacher. His role in *Mrs. Doubtfire* (1993) as Daniel Hillard, a nanny disguised as a woman, showcased his versatility and earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

### Voice Acting and Animation
Williams became a pioneer in voice acting, providing the voice of the Genie in *Aladdin* (1992) and Woody in *Toy Story* (1995). His work in animation helped redefine the medium and solidify his legacy as a versatile performer.

### Stand-Up Comedy
Williams was also a renowned stand-up comedian, known for his sharp wit and physical humor. He released several comedy albums, including *Robin Williams: Live on Broadway* (1996), which won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album.

### Awards and Recognition
Williams received numerous awards for his work, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for *Good Will Hunting* (1997). He also won a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Grammy Award. He was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2015) and named a Disney Legend (1997).

### Legacy
Robin Williams' contributions to entertainment have left a lasting impact. His unique blend of comedy and drama inspired generations of actors and comedians. His iconic roles in films like *Good Morning, Vietnam*, *Dead Poets Society*, and *Mrs. Doubtfire* continue to be celebrated. Williams' legacy endures through his influence on the industry and his enduring popularity with audiences worldwide.

## References

1. [Robin Williams found dead in California home. The Guardian. 2014](http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/aug/11/robin-williams-found-dead-suicide)
2. Integrated Authority File
3. IMDb
4. [Source](http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2014/08/11/robin-williams-found-dead-in-tiburon-home-of-apparent-suicide/)
5. BnF authorities
6. [Source](http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/garchik/article/Robin-Williams-wife-files-for-divorce-after-3774403.php)
7. [Robin Williams Weds Susan Schneider in Napa Valley. 2011](http://www.usmagazine.com/celebritynews/news/robin-williams-weds-20112410)
8. datos.bne.es
9. [Source](http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/868257-zelda-rae-williams-cody-alan-williams-zachary-pym-williams-who-are-robin-williams-kids-photos/)
10. American National Biography Online
11. Czech National Authority Database
12. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/21/movies/film-review-that-orderly-world-of-appearances-he-lives-in-it-s-about-to-explode.html)
13. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9f0ce4db1e3df932a1575bc0a9649c8b63)
14. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/119900/Mrs-Doubtfire/details)
15. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/movies/person/116900/Robin-Williams/filmography)
16. [HOLLIS](https://id.lib.harvard.edu/alma/99157880262903941/catalog)
17. TV.com
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19. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1998)
20. [Source](https://d23.com/walt-disney-legend/robin-williams/)
21. [WIF Awards Retrospective. 2020](https://womeninfilm.org/updates/wif-awards-retrospective/)
22. International Standard Name Identifier
23. MusicBrainz
24. [Robin Williams, actor and comedian, found dead at 63. BBC News. 2014](http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-28749702)
25. [Beloved actor's former San Francisco mansion sells. SFGATE. 2025](https://www.sfgate.com/realestate/article/robin-williams-former-san-francisco-home-sells-20054221.php)
26. Robin Williams. Integrated Authority File
27. [Robin Williams obituary. The Guardian. 2014](http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/aug/12/robin-williams)
28. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
29. SNAC
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35. Croatian Encyclopedia
36. Munzinger Personen
37. [Source](http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-28749702)
38. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
39. [Robin Williams | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL7515382A/Robin_Williams)
40. [Robin Williams | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL7485689A/Robin_Williams)
41. Virtual International Authority File
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44. [Source](http://www.rockonthenet.com/grammy/newartist.htm)
45. CONOR.SI
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48. [Why Robin Williams Won't Be Making Millions Beyond The Grave](https://www.forbes.com/sites/natalierobehmed/2015/10/27/why-robin-williams-wont-be-making-millions-beyond-the-grave/?sh=5343252a435f)
49. [Robin  Williams ( of The Far Side Gallery 4)](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11885726.Robin_Williams)
50. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line