After developing his
improvisational style
as a
stand-up comedian, Robin Williams
landed his own
television show,
Mork and Mindy,
and moved into leading parts in film
with
Robert Altman's Popeye.
He played
numerous memorable film roles,
both
comedic
and
dramatic,
and after
three previous nominations
he won
an
Academy Award
for
best supporting actor
in
Good Will Hunting.
While his career was taking off, Williams faced many personal challenges. He developed a drug and alcohol problem while working on the sitcom Mork and Mindy, and would struggle with addiction for more than two decades. He also became involved in several tumultuous romantic relationships; while married to actress Valerie Velardi, he was involved with other women. Williams and Velardi ultimately divorced in 1988. The following year, he married his son's nanny, Marsha Garces.
Years after his death, Williams's show business career and final days remained a captivating subject for fans. Dave Itzkoff's Robin became a best-seller following its May 2018 publication, and two months later, HBO offered a character study of the comedian via footage of stand-up clips and interviews with family and friends in Williams: Come Inside My Mind.