This year marks 11 years since the beloved comedian Robin Williams passed away at the age of 63. To honor his legacy, fans celebrate “Invite an Alien to Live with You Day,” a whimsical event inspired by his iconic role as Mork in the sitcom “Mork and Mindy.” This annual celebration takes place every July 21, coinciding with Williams’ birthday.
Robin McLaurin Williams was born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois. Despite his later fame, he described his childhood as difficult, referring to himself as a “short, shy, chubby and lonely” boy who faced bullying for his weight. After graduating from Redwood High School in California in 1969, he was famously voted “Most Likely Not To Succeed.” In a remarkable turn of events, he went on to win an Oscar, six Golden Globes, two Emmys, and five Grammys.
His career commenced with a scholarship to Juilliard, where he shared a room with Christopher Reeve, forming a lifelong friendship. Before becoming a household name, he earned tips as a mime in Central Park. His breakout role came when he played Mork, first introducing this character in “Happy Days” before headlining his own spin-off series.
Sadly, Williams battled cocaine addiction early in his career, getting clean after a fateful night with John Belushi in 1982, the very night Belushi died from an overdose. To manage his struggles with depression, he turned to cycling, famously stating that “cycling saved my life.” He became a sensation with the 1987 film “Good Morning, Vietnam,” impressively improvising his performance as Army DJ Adrian Cronauer.
Williams had a complicated relationship with Disney when voicing the Genie in “Aladdin,” considering not reprising his role in a sequel due to concerns over merchandising. He had a unique friendship with Robert De Niro, from whom he learned the significance of silence in acting, and he revealed a wish for the role of Hagrid in the “Harry Potter” series but was turned down for not being British.
Aside from his film career, he was an avid video game fan and named his daughter, Zelda Rae, after the famous game series. In a demonstration of his philanthropic spirit, he co-founded Comic Relief USA, which benefited homeless individuals through its fundraising efforts.
Tragically, Williams died by suicide in 2014, suffering from Lewy body dementia. Remembered fondly by countless fans, a dedicated motorway tunnel near his California home serves as a poignant tribute to his vibrant life and legacy.
This celebration of Robin Williams not only reflects on his comedic brilliance but also serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in the face of mental health challenges. His impact on entertainment and his charitable contributions ensure that his spirit continues to inspire and uplift those who remember him.