Profile of the Day: Robin Williams

Robin Williams

Today we remember actor Robin Williams, who passed away yesterday at the age of 63. After rising to fame as the alien Mork on the television series Mork & Mindy, Williams went on to establish a successful film career, earning multiple Oscar nominations and a win in 1997 for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Good Will Hunting.

He was born on July 21, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois to Lara McLaurin, a former model, and Robert Fitzgerald Williams. His second great grandfather, Anselm J. McLaurin, served as Senator and Governor of Mississippi. Although hard to imagine now, Williams described himself as a quiet child. It wasn’t until he joined his high school drama department that he was able to overcome his shyness. A gifted actor, Williams was one of only 20 students accepted into the freshman class at the prestigious Julliard School, where he became a close friend of actor Christopher Reeve.

Throughout his career, Williams exhibited a wide range, tackling both comedic and dramatic roles in many highly acclaimed films, including Dead Poets Society, Jumanji and Mrs. Doubtfire. He will perhaps best be remembered for bringing smiles and laughter to audiences all around the world.

RIP Robin Williams.

View Robin Williams’ Geni Profile

Image: Eva Rinaldi, Wikimedia Commons