A decade after the death of actor and comedian Robin Williams, his legacy continues to prompt reflection and celebration. Tributes from family and colleagues, coupled with a deeper public understanding of the health issues he faced, have offered new perspectives on his final years. As of July 2025, which would have marked his 74th birthday, discussions about his life and work demonstrate his lasting cultural impact.
Family Tributes on His 74th Birthday
On July 21, 2025, Williams’ eldest son, Zak Williams, posted a public message acknowledging his father’s birthday [3]. In his tribute, Zak reflected on the nature of grief and his father's enduring influence. He noted that grief does not follow a linear path and shared his hope that others could find ways to “feel deeply and laugh through pain” [3]. The message accompanied a still image of Robin Williams from the 1987 film Good Morning, Vietnam [3]. Zak has frequently spoken about his father's legacy and his own work in mental health advocacy.
Williams’ children, including daughter Zelda Williams and son Cody Alan Williams, have worked to protect and honor their father's memory. Zelda, a director and actor, has been a vocal guardian of his image and has previously called for respectful remembrance, particularly online. The family's public statements often focus on his kindness, intelligence, and the joy he brought to others.
Understanding Lewy Body Dementia
A significant development in the understanding of Williams’ final years has been the posthumous diagnosis of Lewy body dementia (LBD). Before his death in August 2014, Williams received a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease [1]. An autopsy later confirmed he had diffuse Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects cognition, movement, behavior, and sleep [1].
His widow, Susan Schneider Williams, has become a prominent advocate for LBD awareness. She has described the disease as "the terrorist inside my husband's brain" and detailed the intense and confusing symptoms he experienced [1]. These symptoms reportedly included heightened states of anxiety, paranoia, delusions, and a "shaky" memory, which were inconsistent with his previous personality and professional discipline [1].
Schneider Williams has explained that the diagnosis provided a critical context for the challenges he faced. LBD can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms often overlap with those of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. The disease is caused by the abnormal buildup of protein deposits, known as Lewy bodies, in brain cells. These deposits disrupt normal brain function, leading to a wide range of debilitating symptoms. The increased public knowledge of Williams' condition has reshaped the narrative surrounding his death, emphasizing the severe biological illness he was battling.
Lasting Impressions: Final Roles and Anecdotes
Renewed interest has also been directed toward Williams' final film performances. His last on-screen role was in the 2014 drama Boulevard, where he played a closeted 60-year-old man re-evaluating his life. The film’s somber tone and Williams' restrained performance have been noted by critics and audiences. The final line of dialogue in the film, "Maybe it's not too late to start living the life you really want," has been cited as particularly poignant in light of his death shortly after the film's festival premiere [1].
Beyond his professional work, stories of Williams' personal kindness continue to emerge and circulate. A frequently shared anecdote involves talk show host Conan O'Brien. During a professionally difficult time for O'Brien after his departure from The Tonight Show, Williams sent him a bicycle to lift his spirits [4]. Other celebrities have shared similar stories. Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played his daughter on the television series The Crazy Ones, spoke about how Williams supported her on set. She noted his awareness of the challenges of working long hours with a young family and his efforts to ensure she could spend time with her children. These accounts consistently portray him as a generous and empathetic individual who often used his own resources and fame to support others.
A Complex Personal Life
Robin Williams was married three times and was the father of three children. His first marriage was to Valerie Velardi in 1978, with whom he had his first son, Zachary "Zak" Pym Williams [2]. The couple divorced in 1988.
In 1989, Williams married Marsha Garces, who had been hired as Zak’s nanny [2]. He and Garces had two children: daughter Zelda Rae Williams and son Cody Alan Williams. Garces also worked as a producer on several of his films, including Mrs. Doubtfire and Patch Adams. Their marriage ended in 2010 [2].
In 2011, Williams married graphic designer Susan Schneider, who became Susan Schneider Williams [2]. They remained together until his death in 2014. She has since dedicated much of her time to The American Brain Foundation and raising awareness for Lewy body dementia.
The Enduring Legacy of an Entertainer
Robin Williams' career spanned multiple decades and showcased a remarkable range of talent. He first gained fame as the energetic alien Mork in the television series Mork & Mindy. He soon transitioned to a successful film career with critically acclaimed roles in movies such as Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, Awakenings, and The Fisher King.
He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as a compassionate therapist in Good Will Hunting (1997). His work also included iconic voice acting, most notably as the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin (1992), which redefined the role of celebrity talent in animated films. His ability to shift between frantic, improvisational comedy and deeply felt dramatic performances made him a unique figure in entertainment. His stand-up specials were major events, demonstrating a command of language and a rapid-fire intellect.
Decades after many of his most famous films were released, his work continues to be relevant. The ongoing tributes and the deeper understanding of his personal struggles have added a complex and humanizing layer to his public persona. The discussion has evolved from solely celebrating a comedic genius to also recognizing the profound strength he demonstrated while confronting a severe illness.