How Did Robin Williams Die?
Robin Williams died of Suicide by asphyxiation on August 11, 2014, at age 63.
What was Robin Williams's cause of death?
Robin Williams was found unresponsive at his Paradise Cay, California home on August 11, 2014. He had died by suicide by asphyxiation. His death shocked the world, as he had not publicly disclosed struggles with depression. After his death, an autopsy revealed he had been suffering from Lewy body dementia — a progressive brain disease that causes hallucinations, cognitive decline, and severe depression. His wife Susan Schneider said the dementia, not depression alone, was the real cause of his suffering. His death prompted a global conversation about mental health and the hidden struggles of those who bring joy to others.
How old was Robin Williams when they died?
Robin Williams was 63 years old at the time of death.
When did Robin Williams die?
Robin Williams died on August 11, 2014.
Robin Williams Biography
Robin McLaurin Williams was born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois. After studying at Juilliard, he burst onto the comedy scene with his frenetic improvisation style, landing a role as the alien Mork in Happy Days, which led to the spinoff Mork & Mindy. His film career produced some of the most beloved movies of the 1980s and 1990s, including Good Morning Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Aladdin. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Good Will Hunting in 1998. Known for his lightning-fast wit and genuine warmth, Williams was considered one of the greatest comedians of all time.
Personal Life
Who are Robin Williams's parents?
Robert Fitzgerald Williams, Laurie McLaurin
Did Robin Williams have siblings?
Yes — Robert Todd Williams, McLaurin Smith Williams.
Was Robin Williams married?
| Name | Married | Divorced |
|---|---|---|
| Valerie Velardi | 1978 | 1988 |
| Marsha Garces | 1989 | 2010 |
| Susan Schneider | 2011 | N/A |
Did Robin Williams have children?
Robin Williams had 3 children: Zachary Pym Williams, Zelda Rae Williams, Cody Alan Williams.
What religion was Robin Williams?
Robin Williams was Episcopalian.
What was Robin Williams's ethnicity?
Robin Williams was of English, Irish, Welsh, French, German heritage.
Career Highlights
Movies
- Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)
- Dead Poets Society (1989)
- Awakenings (1990)
- The Fisher King (1991)
- Aladdin (1992)
- Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
- Good Will Hunting (1997)
- Patch Adams (1998)
TV Shows
- Mork & Mindy (1978-1982)
- The Crazy Ones (2013-2014)
Awards
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Good Will Hunting)
- 4 Golden Globe Awards
- 2 Emmy Awards
- 5 Grammy Awards
Facts About Robin Williams
- He was diagnosed posthumously with Lewy body dementia, which his wife said was the real killer
- He improvised most of the Genie's lines in Aladdin
- He attended Juilliard with Christopher Reeve, who became his lifelong friend
- He performed stand-up comedy in clubs to stay sharp even at the height of his fame
Robin Williams Quotes
"No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world."
"You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it."
Legacy
Robin Williams left an immeasurable legacy in comedy and film. His Academy Award-winning performance in Good Will Hunting is considered one of the greatest in cinema history. His voice work as the Genie in Aladdin is beloved by generations of children worldwide. After his death, his family donated his brain to the Lewy Body Dementia Association to advance research. The Robin Williams Center for Research in Lewy Body Dementia was established at the University of California San Francisco. His humor and humanity continue to inspire comedians and actors around the world.
Sources
Last verified: 2026-05-19