Robin Williams: Beloved Comedian’s Enduring Legacy and Estate Value in 2024
Robin Williams was a comedy genius who made the world laugh for decades. He was a bright entertainment star known for his quick wit, wild energy, and big heart. This blog post will take you on a journey through Robin’s fantastic life, from his early days to his most significant successes and the challenges he faced.
Who Was Robin Williams?
Robin McLaurin Williams was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 21, 1951. He grew up to become one of the most loved actors and comedians ever. Robin was famous for his crazy-fast jokes, funny voices, and ability to make up hilarious stuff on the spot. He could play various roles, from humorous to severe, and won many awards for his work.
Robin started doing stand-up comedy in the 1970s and quickly became a star. He then moved to TV and movies, where he made people laugh and cry with his outstanding performances. Some of his most famous movies include “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Good Will Hunting,” and “Dead Poets Society.”
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robin McLaurin Williams |
| Date of Birth | July 21, 1951 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Date of Death | August 11, 2014 |
| Age at Death | 63 years |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Occupation | Actor, Comedian |
Early Life and Education
Robin came from a well-off family. His dad, Robert, was a big shot at Ford Motor Company, and his mom, Laurie, used to be a model. Robin was pretty shy as a kid but had a unique talent for making people laugh by copying his grandmother’s voice.
When Robin was young, his family moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. He went to Redwood High School in Larkspur, California. After high school, he studied at the College of Marin for a while before entering the famous Juilliard School in New York City.
At Juilliard, Robin met Christopher Reeve, who would later play Superman. They became great friends. One of Robin’s teachers saw how funny he was and told him to try stand-up comedy. This advice changed Robin’s life forever.
Stand-Up Comedy Career
Robin started doing stand-up comedy in San Francisco in the mid-1970s. He was different from other comedians because he talked fast, used different voices, and could make jokes about anything. People loved his wild and energetic shows.
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His first big performance was at a club called the Holy City Zoo in San Francisco. Robin worked hard and soon became one of the most popular comedians around. He even won a Grammy Award for his live comedy album “Reality… What a Concept” in 1979.
Robin kept doing stand-up throughout his whole career. He used it to try out new jokes and to stay close to his fans. His comedy shows were always a big hit and helped make him a household name.
Mork & Mindy: The Big Break
Robin’s big break on TV came when he played an alien named Mork on the show “Happy Days.” People loved Mork so much that he got his show, “Mork & Mindy.” The show was a huge hit and ran from 1978 to 1982.
On “Mork & Mindy,” Robin played a funny alien who came to Earth to learn about humans. The show allowed Robin to use his fantastic ability to make up jokes on the spot. He earned $35,000 per episode, about $130,000 today!
“Mork & Mindy” made Robin a superstar. It was super popular, especially with young people. Robin’s character became so famous that you could find Mork on lunch boxes, posters, and even coloring books!
Film Career
After “Mork & Mindy,” Robin moved on to movies. His first significant movie role was in “Popeye” in 1980. But his role in “Good Morning, Vietnam” in 1987 showed how talented he was. He could be severe and funny simultaneously, and he even got nominated for an Oscar for this role.
Robin went on to star in many great movies. He played an inspiring teacher in “Dead Poets Society” (1989). In “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993), he dressed up as a nanny to be close to his kids. And in “Good Will Hunting” (1997), he played a therapist and won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Some of Robin’s other famous movies include:
- “Aladdin” (1992), where he voiced the Genie
- “Jumanji” (1995)
- “Patch Adams” (1998)
- “Night at the Museum” series (2006-2014)
Robin’s movies were not just popular – they also made a lot of money. His films have earned over $6 billion worldwide when you adjust to inflation. That’s a lot of tickets sold!
| Year | Film | Role | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | “Popeye” | Popeye | $500,000 |
| 1987 | “Good Morning, Vietnam” | DJ Adrian Cronauer | $1.5 million |
| 1989 | “Dead Poets Society” | Professor John Keating | – |
| 1993 | “Mrs. Doubtfire” | Mrs. Doubtfire | $8 million |
| 1995 | “Jumanji” | Alan Parrish | $15 million |
| 1997 | “Good Will Hunting” | Sean Maguire | – |
| 1999 | “Bicentennial Man” | Andrew Martin | $20 million |
| 1992 | “Aladdin” | Genie | $75,000 |
Personal Life and Relationships
Robin was married three times. His first wife was Valerie Velardi, whom he married in 1978. They had a son named Zak, born in 1983. Robin and Valerie divorced in 1988.
In 1989, Robin married Marsha Garces. They had two children together: Zelda (1989) and Cody (1991). Robin and Marsha were married for 19 years before they split up in 2008.
Robin’s third and last marriage was to Susan Schneider in 2011. They were together until Robin passed away in 2014.
Robin loved his children very much. He once said, “My children give me a great sense of wonder. To see them develop into these extraordinary human beings is amazing.”
Age and Physique
Robin Williams was born on July 21, 1951, and died on August 11, 2014, at 63. He was known for his energetic performances and physical comedy. Robin wasn’t very tall – about 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm).
Despite his average height, Robin had a significant presence on stage and screen. He kept himself in good shape, especially later in life when cycling was a hobby. Robin was known for his bright blue eyes and warm, infectious smile that could light up a room.
Net Worth and Salary Details
Robin Williams had a net worth of about $50 million at his death. While this is a lot of money, it could have been much more if not for some significant expenses, including two expensive divorces that reportedly cost him $30-40 million.
Robin earned different amounts for his movies throughout his career. Here are some examples:
- “Popeye” (1980): $500,000
- “Good Morning, Vietnam” (1987): $1.5 million
- “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993): $8 million
- “Jumanji” (1995): $15 million
- “Bicentennial Man” (1999): $20 million (his highest paycheck for a single film)
It’s been a week… what were your Hyde Park highlights?! pic.twitter.com/1e13EFFMsl
— Robbie Williams (@robbiewilliams) July 13, 2024
Interestingly, Robin took a significant pay cut for one of his most famous roles. For voicing the Genie in “Aladdin” (1992), he accepted only $75,000 instead of his usual fee of millions. He did this because he wanted to be part of Disney’s animation legacy and make something his kids would love.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth (2014) | $50 million |
| High Salary | $20 million for “Bicentennial Man” |
| Pay Cut Example | $75,000 for “Aladdin” (vs. usual millions) |
Company Details and Investments
Robin Williams wasn’t just an actor and comedian – he was also involved in some business ventures. In 1988, he co-founded the Windfall Foundation with his then-wife Marsha. This was a philanthropic organization that raised money for various charities.
Robin also invested in real estate. He owned several properties throughout his life, including:
- Villa Sorriso: A 653-acre estate in Napa Valley, California. Robin built this 20,000-square-foot house himself. It had a vineyard, a solar farm, and even a lake. After his death, it was sold for $18.1 million in 2016.
- Sea Cliff Mansion: Robin bought a 6,500-square-foot house in San Francisco in 1991 for $3.2 million. It was later listed for sale at $25 million in 2023.
- Tiburon Home: A 6,500-square-foot house in Paradise Cay, Tiburon, California. Robin bought this in 2008 for $4.05 million. It was sold after his death for $5.35 million in 2020.
Robin’s investments in property showed his love for the San Francisco Bay Area, where he spent much of his life.
Funding and Charitable Work
Robin Williams was known for his big heart and generosity. He was involved in many charitable causes throughout his life. Here are some of his notable philanthropic activities:
- Comic Relief USA: In 1986, Robin co-founded Comic Relief USA with fellow comedians Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal. This organization raises money for homeless people through annual TV specials. By 2014, they had raised over $80 million.
- USO Tours: Robin was a big supporter of the US military. He performed for troops on USO tours, visiting 13 countries and entertaining about 90,000 troops over the years.
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Robin supported this hospital for several years, helping raise funds for children with cancer and other serious illnesses.
- Windfall Foundation: Robin raised money for various charities through this foundation, which he started with his second wife.
- Challenged Athletes Foundation: After Robin’s death, his children donated 87 bicycles to support this foundation and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
Robin often said that he felt lucky to have come from a wealthy family and wanted to use his success to help others who were less fortunate.
Contact Details and Social Network Handles
Robin Williams passed away before social media became as big as today, so he didn’t have official accounts on platforms like Twitter or Instagram. However, several fan pages and memorial accounts are dedicated to him on various social media platforms.
Fans can visit the website robinwilliams.com for official information about Robin Williams. His estate maintains this site and provides information about his life, career, and legacy.
The Robin Williams Center for Entertainment and Media in New York City, established by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), also serves as a place to honor Robin’s memory and contributions to the entertainment industry.
Legacy and Impact
Robin Williams left an incredible mark on the world of entertainment. His unique style and astonishing talent inspired countless other comedians and actors. Many people remember him for his comedy and how he could touch hearts with his more serious roles.
After Robin’s death, many tributes were made to honor him. A tunnel north of the Golden Gate Bridge was officially named the “Robin Williams Tunnel” in 2016. In 2017, “Sharon Meadow” in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park was renamed “Robin Williams Meadow.”
Robin’s legacy also lives on through his children. His son Zak has become a mental health advocate, inspired by his father’s struggles. His daughter Zelda has followed in his footsteps in the entertainment industry as an actress and director.
Robin Williams was more than just a comedian or an actor. He was a bright light who brought joy to millions of people around the world. His ability to make people laugh, think, and feel will be remembered for generations. In the words of his character in “Dead Poets Society,” Robin succeeded in making his life extraordinary.