Robin McLaurin Williams, born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, was an American actor and comedian renowned for his improvisational skills and the diverse characters he portrayed in both dramas and comedies. He grew up in a well-off family, with his father working as an executive for the Ford Motor Company and his mother being a former fashion model.

Robin Williams discovered his talent for humor early on, using it to entertain his classmates. He initially studied political science at Claremont Men’s College but later pursued acting at the College of Marin and then at the Juilliard School in New York City.

He began his career in the early 1970s, performing stand-up comedy in San Francisco and Los Angeles. His big break came with the role of the alien Mork in the TV show "Mork & Mindy" (1978–1982), which catapulted him to fame. He transitioned to film with his first leading role in "Popeye" (1980). Over the years, Williams showcased his versatility in a range of films, from comedies like "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993) and "The Birdcage" (1996) to dramas such as "Dead Poets Society" (1989) and "Good Will Hunting" (1997), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

His personal life was marked by both joy and struggle. He was married three times and had three children. Despite his professional success, he faced significant personal challenges, including battles with substance abuse and severe depression.

His struggles were compounded by a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, which was later revealed to be a misdiagnosis; he was actually suffering from diffuse Lewy body disease, a type of dementia. His life came to a tragic end on August 11, 2014, when he was found dead at his home in Tiburon, California, in what was ruled a suicide.

Throughout his career, Robin Williams received numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. He was also honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2005 for his contributions to the entertainment industry.

His best movies include "Good Morning, Vietnam" (1987), "Aladdin" (1992), "Jumanji" (1995), and "The Fisher King" (1991). Williams' legacy endures through his memorable performances and the laughter he brought to millions around the world.