The iconic actor, who tragically passed away several years ago, left behind three grown children. Among them is his daughter, who once shared what inspired her to pursue the career she now passionately embraces.
Robin Williams, famously known for his role in the classic comedy “Mrs. Doubtfire,” was more than just a legendary entertainer. He was a devoted father to two sons and one daughter, who, according to fans, bears a striking resemblance to him.
Robin’s personal life was as dynamic as his career. The actor married three times, with each relationship reflecting a unique chapter of his journey. In 1978, he wed Valerie Velardi, an artist and performer, and their marriage lasted a decade before ending in 1988.
Valerie Velardi and Robin Williams pictured on January 1, in 1978, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The following year, Robin married Marsha Garces Williams, a film producer and philanthropist. Their partnership lasted over 20 years before they divorced in 2010.
Robin Williams and Marsha Garces at Swifty Lazar’s post Oscar party on March 29, 1989 | Source: Getty Images
The award-winning Hollywood star tied the knot for the third time in 2011 with Susan Schneider, a graphic designer who remained his wife until his tragic passing.
Robin Williams and Susan Schneider pose at the Opening Night after party for “Bengal Tiger on March 31, 2011, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
From his first two marriages, Robin became a devoted father to three children who remained a central part of his life. In a 2006 interview, he reflected on the profound joy they brought him, saying, “If I had a choice to erase from my life something, I would leave all the memories of my children … even the memories when they misbehave because it is still extraordinary.”
Robin Williams attends Labyrinth Theater Company’s 4TH Annual Celebrity Charades on November 13, 2006, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Three years later, Robin spoke candidly about fatherhood, sharing, “I’m so proud of them in different ways, but have they always been cherubs? No, but that’s been part of the process.” He admitted he was far from perfect, adding, “And am I the ‘world’s greatest dad?’ Not at all, I’m a work-in-progress, but I love them.”
Robin Williams speaks during the 35th Annual People’s Choice Awards on January 7, 2009, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Robin’s deep love for his children was evident in his reflections on parenthood, and his pride in their individuality shone through. Now adults, his three children have each forged their own paths.
Robin Williams at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards on March 7, 2010, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Zachary “Zak” Williams
Robin welcomed his first child, Zachary “Zak” Williams, in 1983 with his first wife, Valerie. Zak, a New York University graduate in rhetoric, cherished childhood memories with his father, recalling their walks and sharing excitement over simple joys.
Robin and Zachary Williams attend Bob Saget, Caryn & Jeff Zucker Host The NY Comedy Festival Event “Cool Comedy-Hot Cuisine: An Evening to Benefit” on November 6, 2007, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
After Robin’s death, Zak struggled deeply with depression and turned to alcohol to cope. “I was deeply unhappy and feeling extremely isolated and broken,” he admitted, but eventually sought help, realizing, “Something had to give.”
Zachary and Robin Williams attend The Comedy Awards on April 28, 2012, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Now on a path of healing, Zak, 41, is a proud husband to Olivia June and father to their son, Mickey, whose name honors Robin’s middle name. As co-founder of PYM (Prepare Your Mind), Zak is a passionate mental health advocate, helping others while breaking the stigma around mental health care.
As Zak continues to advocate for mental health and embrace his own journey of healing, Robin’s youngest son, Cody Williams, has pursued a successful career behind the scenes in Hollywood.
Cody Williams
Born in November 1991 during Robin’s marriage to Marsha, Cody has worked as a Second Unit Director and Assistant Director on major films such as “Black Panther” (2018), “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017), and “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” (2015).
Cody and Robin Williams attend “A Magical Evening” on November 12, 2007, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Although Cody, 33, leads a private life, his marriage to Maria Flores on July 21, 2019, was especially meaningful. The couple exchanged vows at Cody’s childhood home, honoring Robin’s memory on what would have been his 68th birthday.
(L-R) Zelda, Marsha and Cody Williams attend the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s A Magical Evening 20th Anniversary Gala on November 17, 2010, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Zelda Williams
While Cody has built a career behind the camera, Robin’s only daughter, Zelda Williams, 35, has pursued her passion both as an actress and director. Born on July 31, 1989, the same year Robin married Marsha, Zelda grew up visiting her father on film sets.
Robin and Zelda Williams at the world premiere of the movie “Happy Feet Two,” 2011 | Source: Getty Images
She recalled the experience as enchanting, saying, “When you’re that young, I don’t think you grasp that it’s a job, really; just like a fun thing you go and visit.” As she got older, sets like the one for “Bicentennial Man” in 1999 gave her a deeper appreciation for the filmmaking process.
“That was when I was old enough to really understand that there was a whole bunch of jobs you could also do,” she shared. Inspired by her childhood experiences, Zelda began her career at just 5 years old, playing Robin’s on-screen daughter in 1994’s “In Search of Dr. Seuss.”
Zelda has since appeared in TV shows like “The Legend of Korra,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” and “Jane the Virgin.” In 2024, she made her directorial debut with the zombie rom-com “Lisa Frankenstein.” Although she has starred in several slasher films, Robin avoided watching them, joking he didn’t like seeing her “killed” on screen.
Zelda’s career has showcased her creativity and individuality, but she has also taken a firm stand to protect the integrity of the entertainment industry. In 2023, she condemned the use of artificial intelligence to replicate her father’s voice, calling it “very very real” and “personally disturbing.”
She warned of the broader consequences, writing, “I’ve already heard AI used to get his ‘voice’ to say whatever people want. […] The ramifications go far beyond my own feelings.” Her statement came as SAG-AFTRA continued its strike over AI and other industry issues, following the Writer’s Guild of America’s tentative agreement.
She emphasized that living actors deserve the opportunity to bring characters to life through their own choices and effort, warning that AI recreations risk turning art into something monstrous and inauthentic. By speaking out against artificial intelligence in entertainment, Zelda honors her father’s legacy while championing the importance of humanity in the arts.
Her reflections on family traditions further offer a glimpse into the intimate moments that defined her childhood. In December 2023, Zelda, who is part Filipino, shared how the Williams family prioritized time together, even with Robin’s busy schedule.
Zelda Williams attends “Ted Lasso” Season Three FYC on June 10, 2023, in North Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
“Dad’s job made it pretty hard to keep anything like a yearly tradition really, aside from Thanksgiving or days when sets would shut down,” she revealed in an interview, noting that cooking together became their way of bonding. Weekly family dinners, whenever relatives were in town, became a treasured tradition.
Zelda Williams attends the 2023 Bring Change To Mind Gala on October 9, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
While not everyone was hands-on in the kitchen, Zelda, who had a private childhood, joked, “My brothers and my dad were not good cooks,” leaving most of the meal prep to her and her mom, Marsha.
Regardless of the roles, Zelda emphasized, “Being together was the important thing,” especially given how work often kept them apart.
Zelda Williams attends the 21st Annual Unforgettable Gala on December 16, 2023, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Zelda’s reflections on family traditions showcase the strong bond she shared with her late father, Robin. Beyond her personal memories, fans have also drawn comparisons between the pair, often highlighting their resemblance and shared expressions.
Zelda Williams during an appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” on January 31, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
During a 2016 interview uploaded to YouTube, viewers couldn’t help but comment on Zelda’s likeness to her father. One user remarked, “She looks so much like her dad. I’m sure that Robin is so proud of her.”
Zelda Williams and Kathryn Newton attend the Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures world premiere of “Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire” at TCL Chinese Theatre on March 1 25, 2024 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Another observed, “Wow, she really is like a female version of Robin. Her expressions are just like her father’s, and she even tells jokes the same way.” A third noted her physical similarity, saying, “She has her father’s smile.”
These observations about Zelda’s resemblance to Robin continued into 2024, when she shared a photo of herself dressed in all-black.
JoJo and Zelda Williams attend “Cult Of Love” Broadway Opening Night at Hayes Theater on December 12, 2024 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Fans once again couldn’t help but point out her striking similarity to her father, blending admiration for her appearance with heartfelt comparisons.
One user simply wrote, “Stunner,” while another commented, “Is it too cliché or sentimental to say ‘Like Father, Like Daughter?’” Others admired her beauty, with remarks like, “You’re so beautiful,” and, “You look gorgeous!”
Zelda Williams attends the Los Angeles special screening of “Lisa Frankenstein,” 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The admiration fans show for Zelda and her connection to Robin highlights the profound impact he had as both an entertainer and a father. His ability to make people laugh and his genuine warmth only made his tragic passing in 2014 at the age of 63, in an apparent suicide, all the more heartbreaking.
Zelda Williams at the Unforgettable Gala held at the Beverly Hilton on December 16, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
According to Marin County Police in California, Robin was pronounced dead at his home shortly after emergency responders arrived following a midday emergency call. His publicist later disclosed that he had been “battling severe depression.”
Robin Williams poses backstage at the new play “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo” at The Richard Rogers Theater on March 29, 2011 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, his wife, Susan, revealed that Robin had been diagnosed with the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. She also noted his serious struggles with mental health. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to his sobriety and personal well-being.
Robin Williams performs on stage during ARF’s Stars to the Rescue XXII on January 5, 2013, in Walnut Creek, California. | Source: Getty Images
Shortly before his passing, the comedian had voluntarily enrolled in a program at the Hazelden facility in Minnesota. His representative clarified that this was not prompted by a relapse, but was instead a proactive effort to “fine-tune and focus on his continued commitment, of which he remains extremely proud.”
Robin Williams appears onstage during MTV’s Total Request Live at the MTV Times Square Studios on April 27, 2006 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
During lockdown, Billy Connolly, a close friend and fellow comedian, offered a glimpse into the challenges of living with Parkinson’s disease. He described the nature of his life, which consisted of “good days and bad days”
However, he also shared a coping strategy that brought him perspective. “Somebody once told me anytime you’re not feeling very well, think of the kids in the cancer world,” he explained. This philosophy helped him remain grounded and resilient.
Robin Williams and Matt Damon on the set of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on January 24, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Robin Williams’s loss continues to be a source of sorrow for fans and loved ones. However, his legacy lives on through his children, who honor his memory in their own unique ways.
