Robin Williams
In 1978, Williams was cast as the manic alien Mork in ABC's 'Mork & Mindy,' a role that drew a weekly audience of some sixty million and turned him into an overnight superstar. His lightning improvisation became a comedic touchstone and launched a film career that spanned wild comedy and Oscar-winning drama.
A Comet From Juilliard
Robin McLaurin Williams was born in Chicago in 1951 and trained at Juilliard. His electric stand-up improvisation set him apart, and casting as the alien Mork in 1978 catapulted him to national fame.
From Manic to Moving
Williams paired wild comedies like 'Mrs. Doubtfire' and 'Aladdin' with acclaimed dramas. 'Good Morning, Vietnam' and 'Dead Poets Society' earned Oscar nods, and 'Good Will Hunting' won him the 1998 Best Supporting Actor award.
A Lasting Loss
Williams struggled with depression and, unknown to him, Lewy body disease in his final years. He died in 2014 at age 63, mourned worldwide as one of the greatest comedians and most versatile actors of his generation.
Career Timeline
- 1951Born in Chicago, Illinois
- 1978Stars as Mork in 'Mork & Mindy'
- 1987'Good Morning, Vietnam' earns first Oscar nod
- 1989Plays inspiring teacher in 'Dead Poets Society'
- 1991Stars in 'Hook' and 'The Fisher King'
- 1992Voices the Genie in Disney's 'Aladdin'
- 1993Title role in family hit 'Mrs. Doubtfire'
- 1997Films 'Good Will Hunting'
- 1998Wins Best Supporting Actor Oscar
- 2014Dies in Paradise Cay, California, at 63
Biggest Hits
- Williams improvised so much of the Genie in 'Aladdin' that the screenplay was reportedly ineligible for an adapted-script award nomination.
- An autopsy revealed he had diffuse Lewy body disease, consistent with the dementia symptoms he suffered before his death.
Portrait: Eva Rinaldi · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons