By: Mackenzie Blatt

We all know Robin Williams for his witty humor, rich voice, and sparkling blue eyes, but his road to stardom hasn’t been all roses and rainbows. After starting out as a political science major, Robin realized his true passion lied with acting and comedy. A roommate during his years in college, Christopher Reeve, a fellow actor best known as Superman, was a major influence in Robin’s career success, and from there, his amazing whirlwind career took off.

“After making a few appearances on The Richard Pryor Show, Laugh-In, and Eight is Enough, I landed my own television show in 1978, Mork and Mindy, that was pretty zippy. Then I was cast for some leading lines in Popeye (in 1980) and so many amazing movies followed” bubbles Robin, sipping a cup of coffee, eyes sparkling at the memory.

While reminiscing, Robin touched on his times as an actor, and how he shaped the way actors were now known for their versatility. Being able to shift from the bubbly, charismatic human lightbulb, to a serious, quiet role as he did in Boulevard as he starred as a closeted but married man who has to confront his sexuality after an encounter with a younger gay man is one of the reasons Robin became so beloved by the film industry. Not only impacting the film industry, but the audiences of his movies as well.

“I feel like many of my roles have been extremely influential on the audience, and I’ve received many awards for them. I think my most impactful role to act was Mr. Keating in ‘Dead Poets Society’. It promoted student liberation, creative thought, mental health, and most importantly, the idea of carpe diem” proclaims Robin.

Although Robin Williams intended to be known for the acting career he was introduced to shortly after high school, Robin became infatuated with comedy after trying it out, and fell in love.

“After college, in San Francisco, I just fooled around with the idea of producing and saying a skit before actually trying it. It’s a whole other world up there, on the stage, and it’s where I feel most comfortable, at home. My brain clicks together and my tongue just starts going; I get possessed by my brain and I can’t stop until the skit is over” rambles Robin. 

Robin was credited for being an influential leader in the renaissance of comedy, mainly taking place in California at the time, and spreading it throughout the country on his television programs.

“I think I kind of set the comedy world free. Before, most of the skits were really refined and simple, but I showed up and had to go disrupting everything... When I started out, I never thought I would become as big as I am now. Back then, it was all parties and crazy, and improv. was a comic’s dream. Some say I “led the comic renaissance”, but more or less I was just part of it all. Drugs, sex, comedy- it all blurred together. Back then was the freeing of comedy, and I was one of the few bold enough -or drunk, I don’t know which- to break the chains” Robin humbly recollects.

Although acting played a major role in Robin’s life, comedy became one of his favorite things, frequenting comedy bars and other stages to show up unannounced and sweep the rug out from everyone. Not only is it fun, however, but a great relief to Robin Williams.

“It’s an outlet for me, a way to let my brain run free. It’s much cheaper than hiring a therapist, that’s for sure. Richard Pryor being so open about his personal issues on the stage really influenced me to become more open about my private live and my struggles through jokes on stage. It allows me to develop a higher connection with my audiences, and release all of that pent-up energy than bottling it up and letting it burst open at a bad time” comments Robin, twitching every now and again with unused energy.

As hard as it is to imagine, even Robin Williams gets stage fright. His usual bravado is intentional so no one can notice if he makes a mistake until he gets into the swing of the act and adjusts like a chameleon under the stage lights. Among offending people with risqué gestures and sometimes offensive material, the fear of mistakes and failure is with Robin as much as it is with any other average human.

“There were times when the second before speaking, like how it feels like a millennium before you leave the plane when you skydive, or an eon until you hit the water from the high dive into a pool, got too stressful and I had to take a second to breathe. I think my father’s career in car sales helped when I was practicing. He’d always harp into my ear “Never be afraid to talk about a subject that is important to you” and back then I’d get so sick of him repeating that, but that’s one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received” Robin fondly remembers.

Alas, Robin Williams is human like the rest of us, and he too makes mistakes. During the new age of comedy in San Francisco and other bouts with drugs and alcohol left Robin reeling and gave him a new perspective on life (as well as more comedy material).

“Back then, it was a new era. We felt like gods in a new world, only we were too high and drunk to realize how f-----d up we were. The whole scene, the drugs, rock and roll, sex- it was fun for a time, but it came back to bite me. I became addicted and despite rumors, I’ve never drunken or used drugs during a show, but they were my weakness. I’ve done so many shows hung over, feeling broken but I laughed through the pain. Cocaine was my main outlet for relief. I don’t know how it affects other people, but I get really quiet, which is very nice for me because that’s a rare occurrence. I used drugs and alcohol to wrongly try to cope with other issues rather than deal with the root of the problem. I wish I would’ve had more control back then, and realized the line between fun and self-destruction. I wish I would’ve been more responsible with my relationships. Being through two marriages and being on my third makes for some pretty good acts, but at the end of the day, I’m financially unstable, and can barely support my family because of the poor choices I’ve made. I’ve gotten better, through the help of my friends, family, and therapists, but I shudder to think of what would’ve happened hadn’t I done so” says Robin solemnly.

Not only do mental issues plague Robin, but he is ridden with physical misfortune as well. He demonstrates signs of Lewy body Dementia, and Parkinson’s, and the combination of these condition leads to muscle degeneration, cumulative memory loss, and constant untreatable physical pain. Robin feels the pain, and as a result, suffers from depression and anxiety.

“I have a hard time moving fast, which means I just have to go a lot slower now. But honestly, life now has gotten much more difficult. Small things affect me, and there’s this feeling I can’t shake, something looming over me that I just can’t get away from. I don’t know what it is, but it makes the hesitation before every joke a millisecond longer. I forget things a lot easier now, and the anxiety and bad thoughts are a lot more reoccurring than they used to. I love making people laugh, but it seems like recently, I’m the one who’s not laughing” states Robin, suddenly becoming serious in seconds.

When it comes to supporters, however, Robin Williams is never at a loss. Between his friends, family, therapists, and millions of fans, Robin always has constant support and appreciation.

“My wife, Susan, and my 3 beautiful children, Zak, Zelda, and Cody make life a beautiful place for me. There are times when it gets really dark, but I’m thankful I always have them to lean on.” smiles Robin, and his love for his family is obvious.

The acting and comedy industries are extremely competitive, but Robin has found solace in his abilities, and became extremely successful with his career. After thinking, Robin advises inspiring actors and comedians to live boldly and be fearless.

“Never give up your dreams, no matter how large they might seem, and always keep a laugh in your heart. Laughter works miracles -trust me- and people always underestimate them” says Robin.

Although he might have had an uncertain past when he was younger, or made some regrettable choices with drugs, alcohol, and women, Robin Williams is without a doubt one of the forefathers of modern comedy, and one of the most influential men in the entertainment industry altogether. We wish him luck, prosperity, and laughs in his future endeavors, and always remember the sparkling blue eyes that changed the world.