• Faith: Christian
• Career: Actor
• Birthday:  July 21, 1951
• Date of Death:  August 11, 2014

Robin Williams was one of the most beloved entertainers of his generation, known for his lightning-fast improvisation, unforgettable film roles, and ability to make audiences laugh while also delivering deeply emotional performances. Over a career spanning nearly four decades, he became an Academy Award-winning actor, a celebrated stand-up comedian, and a television star whose work left a lasting mark on comedy and Hollywood.

Though his public persona was often energetic and joyful, Williams also faced private battles with addiction, depression, and declining health. His death on Aug. 11, 2014, shocked fans around the world and sparked greater awareness about mental health and Lewy body dementia.

Robin McLaurin Williams was born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the only child of Robert Fitzgerald Williams, a senior executive at Ford Motor Company, and Laurie McLaurin Williams, a former model. His father was an Episcopalian, while his mother practiced Christian Science.

Williams spent much of his childhood in suburban Chicago before his family relocated to California. By his own account, he was a shy and often lonely child who entertained himself by creating characters and voices. Humor eventually became a way to connect with others.

After graduating from Redwood High School in California, he briefly studied political science at Claremont Men's College before discovering his passion for acting. He later attended the College of Marin and earned admission to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied alongside fellow actor Christopher Reeve.

Williams first gained national attention in the late 1970s as the lovable alien Mork in the television sitcom Mork & Mindy. His manic energy and improvisational style quickly made him one of television's biggest stars.

He successfully transitioned into film, building one of Hollywood's most versatile careers. His notable movies include Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, Awakenings, Hook, Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, The Birdcage, Good Will Hunting, Patch Adams, Night at the Museum, and many others.

In 1998, Williams won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of therapist Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting. Throughout his career, he also earned multiple Golden Globe Awards, Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, and Screen Actors Guild honors.

Beyond acting, Williams remained one of the world's most respected stand-up comedians. His rapid-fire delivery, celebrity impressions, and improvisational brilliance made his live performances legendary. He was also known for entertaining U.S. troops through USO tours and supporting numerous charitable causes.

Williams was married three times. He first married Valerie Velardi in 1978, and they had one son, Zak Williams. After their divorce, he married Marsha Garces in 1989. Together they had two children, Zelda and Cody Williams. The couple divorced in 2010.

In 2011, Williams married graphic designer Susan Schneider, who remained his wife until his death.

Throughout his life, Williams was open about his struggles with substance abuse. After overcoming cocaine addiction in the early 1980s, he experienced periods of sobriety before later seeking treatment again following alcohol relapse. Friends and colleagues often praised his honesty about recovery and his willingness to help others facing similar challenges.

Robin Williams died on Aug. 11, 2014, at the age of 63 at his home in Paradise Cay, California.

Authorities ruled his death a suicide by hanging. Initially believed to be primarily connected to depression, later medical examinations revealed that Williams had been suffering from diffuse Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disease that can cause severe cognitive impairment, anxiety, hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and Parkinson-like symptoms.

His widow, Susan Schneider Williams, later said the disease had attacked nearly every area of his brain and that neither the family nor many of his doctors fully understood the extent of his condition before his death.

Williams' passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow actors, comedians, world leaders, and millions of fans who celebrated both his extraordinary talent and his generosity. His death also helped raise public awareness of Lewy body dementia and the importance of mental health treatment.

Robin Williams' Religious Beliefs

Robin Williams was raised in the Episcopal Church, a branch of Christianity. His father was Episcopalian, while his mother practiced Christian Science, giving him exposure to different Christian traditions during childhood.

Williams often identified himself as an Episcopalian and occasionally referenced his upbringing in his stand-up comedy. One of his most famous jokes described Episcopalianism as "Catholic Lite — same religion, half the guilt," reflecting his trademark blend of humor and affection for his religious background.

He also credited his mother's Christian Science faith as an early influence on his outlook, imagination, and sense of humor.

Although Williams rarely spoke publicly about theology in depth, his spiritual outlook became more personal after his struggles with addiction and time in rehabilitation. In interviews, he reflected on developing "a very personal view of God" and said those experiences helped him recognize that he was not alone during life's most difficult moments.

While he embraced his Christian upbringing, Williams generally expressed an inclusive view of spirituality and frequently explored religious themes with humor, curiosity, and respect. His faith journey reflected both his Episcopal roots and a broader search for hope, grace, and meaning throughout his life.