Robin Williams: A Life from Beginning to End

by Hourly History

Discover the remarkable life of Robin Williams...
Free BONUS Inside!

They say that laughter is the best medicine, and no one could quite make us laugh like Robin Williams. His meteoric rise to fame was fueled by an irrepressible sense of humor and dazzling improvisational skills. From the extraterrestrial Mork to the inspiring John Keating in Dead Poets Society and the endearing Genie in Aladdin, Williams’ performances captured the hearts of millions.

But beneath the laughter and fame was a man as complex as the characters he portrayed. Robin had a difficult childhood and, as a consequence, battled depression and addiction throughout his life. Yes, as much as he might have played carefree aliens like Mork and even the impish Peter Pan of Neverland, Robin never really came to terms with his own demons. He kept us, as well as himself, laughing to avoid having to confront the darkness that permeated his life. Tragically, that life came to an abrupt end in 2014 in an utterly heartbreaking fashion. Here, we tell the story of Robin Williams in full.

Discover a plethora of topics such asA Lonely BoyMove to CaliforniaLeaving JuilliardMainstream SuccessRobin in RehabLast Years and DeathAnd much more!
So if you want a concise and informative book on Robin Williams, simply scroll up and click the "Buy now" button for instant access!

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir

97 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2024

About the author

At Hourly History, we focus on publishing history books that are concise, straightforward and take no longer than one hour to read.

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Reviews

[Udit Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I ever read about Robin Williams, I felt him through cinema. Dead Poets Society and Good Will Hunting left a deep mark on me when I first watched them. Long after the credits rolled, those performances stayed.

This short biography builds meaningfully on that emotional legacy. It traces Williams’ extraordinary range: from explosive comedic brilliance to restrained, deeply humane roles, while also acknowledging the contrast between his public joy and private struggles. The book handles his battles with depression, addiction, and illness with sensitivity, avoiding both romanticisation and simplification.

Concise yet reflective, this biography is an enjoyable read that reminds us why Robin Williams mattered so deeply: not just because he made us laugh, but because he helped us feel understood.

[Bonnie Gleckler Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Standup Comedy to a nanny to a Genie

What an interesting character… Very fond of Robin Williams as I’m sure many people were and still are. My first encounter as I’m sure for many of the readers of this hourly history was “Mork and Mindy“. His zany attitude and his impromptu humor really made him one Funny man. This book gave more meaning for me regarding his life, and cleared up for me why was he may have decided to take your soul life.

[Martin, I stand with ISRAEL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best book about Robin Williams

[F · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have everything the world says you need to be happy - fame, riches, et al - but you are not happy. The book, though small, covers a lot of territory in a concise, interesting fashion.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading this the only things I knew about Robin Williams private life was that:
-He was divorced at least once
-He had at least one daughter
-He died by suicide
-He had some sort of incurable disease at the time of death.

And I learned all this information only when he died. In other words prior to his death I only knew about his professional accomplishments and nothing of his private life.

So this hourly history while a very quick read (I finished it in 45 minutes) gave me a lot of new information.

His life was sad!

He was emotionally neglected as a child.
He was bullied for being weird throughout his childhood.
Comedy was his way of fitting in and finding acceptance.
Throughout his life he suffered from alcoholism, drug addiction, depression and anxiety.
His romantic relationships were a disaster because of the above issues.
It seems like he was never truly at peace in his life time.

But on the positive side he was a passionate and energetic guy and was genuinely talented as a performer, he was particularly good at freeform comedy and improvisation. Even other comics looked up to him and tried to imitate his style.

Some specific things I learned
(1) He was prolific. He starred in more than 70 feature films over 38 years, sometimes doing FIVE movies a year in addition to TV, standup and other things.
(2) He was from the bay area.
(3) He was a fitness enthusiast. In his 20s he completed a 10K in 34:21, which is pretty dang good for a casual runner.

When I finished reading I was sad. It made me think of the fragility of life and how we're all hanging on by a thread.

But then I went online and watched some of his performances and the various tributes and saw how much he had impacted people and I felt a lot better.

[Patricia S Winchel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most loveable comedian of the time

Robin Williams drew his comedy from a lonely, sad upbringing which led him to make up imaginary friends. He was also bullied in school and learned to use humor to deflect his attackers. He had to relocate from Chicago to Detroit to San Francisco during his formative years. His parents were busy with their own lives, and had older children from previous marriages. Robin sadly had no family life and struggled through 3 marriages, and a serious medical issue that was misdiagnosed before taking his life at 63. It reminded me of an old 1960’s song called "The funny little clown," who laughed to keep from crying.

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first saw Robin Williams on the TV show Happy Days. I was not impressed. Mork and Mindy were even stranger than his first appearance on TV. I was not impressed. Then in 1983, I saw him do stand-up for the first time. I enjoyed the show, but I knew something was not quite right. His level of intensity was nearly, if not completely manic. Even as a twelve-year-old, I could see it.

I grew to love watching him over the years. I only wish that he had gotten the help that he needed and deserved. Rest in peace, Mr. Williams.

This book, as his life, touched me. I recommend it.

[sally crowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Overview of Robin Williams Life

Raised alone Robin suffered from the lack of attention from his family. Bullied for years by his classmates, he failed to believe in the world of his children when
himself
He continued to fear that he was not good enough. His comedy turned dark. His depression deepened until he took his own life.
Sadly the world misses him to this day

[Susan Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tragic!

Such a wonderful comedic genius and could always make us laugh and happy! So sad what happened to Robin! My Mom had Alzheimer's and I was her primary caregiver until her passing in October 2019.

Can only imagine that to this genius of comedy as Robin was, to not be able to remember what daily was happening to him or not being able to memorize his material must have been heart breaking to him! 😓

Rest in peace, dear Robin, God bless you!

Sue Adams, England

[John E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative Biography

Robin Williams is one of the most well known comedians and actors for over thirty years. He was creative and spontaneous and yet little was known about his personal life. The author provides a great deal of detail in a short book. So many talented performers are tormented by demons from their past as well a lack of coping mechanisms. Sadly, Robin Williams was no exception.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I understand this is a biography, but it seems like in the writing of a book about a comic star there should be a little of his humor shown. Yes, his manic stream of consciousness delivery would be difficult to put on the page. But, not all of his humor was that style. That being said, this is a very good biography about Robin Williams that tries to give some details about his life that he wasn't often forthcoming about. That is tough to do in a book that is meant to be read in about an hour.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robin Williams's story is tragic. He grew up telling jokes to keep bullies from pulverizing him and to get his mother's attention. Growing up depressed, he soon learned that addictive substances would numb the hurt. I thought Robin only had a few film roles. However, he was an accomplished actor and a great comic. This is a sad tale.

[Gwen Kubberness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touchingly sad

Wow so sad I didn't know all the circumstances around his death I knew he committed suicide but I didn't know how or why or all that what a wonderful actor to bed that somebody kind of touched his heart enough to get him to get the help that he needed for his mental health.

[Linda Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin Williams

Wow, I never knew about the real Robin Williams! Before reading this biography, I thought he was a happy comedian who found reality in his serious rolls. We will miss him.

[D. Thrush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin Williams was a genius. He was brilliant at comedy but could also seriously act. This 100-page book is a concise bio of his life. It’s awful that he was so tormented while he made others laugh.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Overview

A brief overview of of Robin Williams life and career. Covers a lot of the high and lows of a man who made a lot of people happy but had trouble finding it in his own life.

[maren ardell]

Interesting

I knew only a small number of the movies he had to his credit. The book makes me want to see the films I wasn't aware of. Such a depressed existence for someone who could make everyone else take life lightly.

[Jessie hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad but well written biography of a favorite

I didn’t know how this would be. I’ve tried to read some biographies that I just could not stay with. But this was very well written. It portrayed Robin as he was behind the scenes. Sad.

[Jen Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much respect..

I'm sad they never mentioned his movie Patch Adams. Regardless, quick simple read that was really interesting. Robin had secrets....secret battles and secret demons that were often portrayed in his arts. Hope his soul is at peace.

[Magners · Rating 5 out of 5]

quick basic timeline of his life

This is quick basic timeline of his life. Many people don’t know he beginning story of celebrities, these short books tell how their lives started without diving deep into the details.

[BEVERLEY REED · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

Very interesting read really enjoyed it didn't take more than an hour to read.It goes from Robins early childhood up until his untimely death

[Itai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if amazing book, but amazing life

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful Info

Honest treatment of the life of an icon. These series makes superstars accessible and more relevant. Will continue reading them.

[David Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laughing on the inside while crying on the inside:

It’s a tough ride when you lose yourself in childhood and there is no help because you’re hiding and trying to please others.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad ending

A true comedy genius whose outside appearance did not reflect his inside appearance…always a joy to watch perform on stage and the big screen

[dorothy cannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief synopsis of Robins life.

This was a short book telling the story of Robins life, it is brief and to the point.
A descent short book.

[Ronda Kimberlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic

No indepth storyline here...reads more like a foot note to his career. Very short and basic at best. Blah blah blah

[Jim Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book with sad ending

Robin was a delight to watch as he worked. He seemed to into his roles, but depression is real and was for him.
RIP Robin.

See you again.
Jim S

[Chrissie Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin williams

I enjoyed the book it was an easy read and gave some information about robin williams that i didnt know. Rest in peace robin williams.

[Louisa Giddings · Rating 5 out of 5]

brief but to the point

This is a brief glimpse in the life of Robin Williams but it gets to the points it needs to. Short book but a good read