Robin McLaurin Williams July 21 1951 August 11 2014 was an American actor and comedian Known for his improvisational skills and the wide variety of characters he created on the spur of the moment and portrayed on film in dramas and comedies alike he is regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time He received numerous accolades including an Academy Award two Primetime Emmy Awards six Golden Globe Awards two Screen Actors Guild Awards and five Grammy Awards Williams began performing standup comedy in San Francisco and Los Angeles during the mid1970s and released several comedy albums including Reality What a Concept in 1980 He rose to fame playing the alien Mork in the ABC sitcom Mork Mindy 19781982 He received his first leading film role in Popeye 1980 Williams went on to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Good Will Hunting 1997 His other Oscarnominated roles were for Good Morning Vietnam 1987 Dead Poets Society 1989 and The Fisher King 1991 Williams starred in the critically acclaimed dramas The World According to Garp 1982 Moscow on the Hudson 1984 Dead Poets Society 1989 Awakenings 1990 Patch Adams 1998 Insomnia 2002 One Hour Photo 2002 and Worlds Greatest Dad 2009 He also starred in family films such as Hook 1991 Mrs Doubtfire 1993 Jumanji 1995 Jack 1996 Flubber 1997 RV 2006 and the Night at the Museum trilogy 20062014 He lent his voice to the animated films Aladdin 1992 Robots 2005 Happy Feet 2006 and its 2011 sequel Williams was found dead at his home in Paradise Cay California in August 2014 at the age of 63 At the time of his suicide he had been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease According to his widow Williams had experienced depression anxiety and increasing paranoia His autopsy found diffuse Lewy body disease and Lewy body dementia professionals said his symptoms were consistent with dementia with Lewy bodies
Login to comment!
