Robin Williams: A Legendary Star

How Much Was Robin Williams Worth?

Robin Williams, the beloved American actor and comedian, left behind an impressive legacy—and a net worth of $50 million at the time of his passing in 2014. Despite rumors suggesting otherwise, Robin wasn't "broke" when he died. That said, his fortune could have been much larger had he not spent millions on divorce settlements and lifestyle expenses during his battle with addiction. Still, his contributions to the world of entertainment remain unmatched.

Interestingly, Robin's estate included a clause restricting the use of his public image for 25 years after his death. This means his heirs can't license his name, voice, or likeness for commercial purposes until 2039. Robin generously left these rights to the Windfall Foundation, ensuring his legacy benefits charitable causes. Even with today's advancements in AI, we won't see an AI-generated "Genie" in new "Aladdin" films anytime soon—at least not without supporting a great cause.

Robin's journey began as a stand-up comedian in the 1970s, eventually landing the iconic role of Mork in "Mork & Mindy." Over four seasons, Robin captured hearts worldwide. His transition to film followed shortly after, with his movies grossing over $6 billion worldwide (adjusted for inflation). Let's dive deeper into some of his most successful films:

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• #1: "Night at the Museum" — $579 million
• #2: "Aladdin" — $504 million
• #3: "Mrs. Doubtfire" — $441 million
• #4: "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" — $402 million
• #5: "Happy Feet" — $385 million

From the early '80s to the late '90s, Robin was a household name. Whether starring in TV shows, recording stand-up specials, or hosting award ceremonies, he consistently delivered memorable performances. His work earned him numerous accolades, including an Oscar for "Good Will Hunting." Even in his later years, Robin remained a beloved figure in Hollywood, remembered fondly for his humor, talent, and humanity.

Early Days: The Beginnings of a Legend

Robin Williams was born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up, Robin came from a prominent family; his father, Robert, was a senior executive at Lincoln-Mercury Motors, and his mother, Lauren, was a former model from New Orleans. Before high school, Robin and his family relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area. As a child, Robin was known for being shy and reserved, rarely speaking out loud. One of the few hints of his future comedic genius? His spot-on impersonation of his grandmother. It wasn't until he joined high school plays that Robin truly began to shine and step out of his shell.

Education: Building the Foundation

Robin attended Redwood High School in Larkspur, California, followed by College of Marin in Kentfield, California. His academic journey took him to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City, where he met lifelong friend and future "Superman" star, Christopher Reeve. While at Juilliard, Robin received advice from an instructor to shift his focus from drama to stand-up comedy. This pivotal moment set him on the path to becoming one of the greatest comedians of all time. Robin hit the comedy circuit in New York, captivating audiences with his unique style and quick wit.

Stand-Up Comedy: The Heart of His Career

Robin's stand-up career took off in the mid-1970s. His comedic style was a whirlwind of rapid-fire jokes, an array of voices, and an uncanny ability to riff on any topic. His performances were electrifying, leaving audiences in awe. His live comedy album, "A Night at the Met" (1986), even earned him a Grammy, thanks to its raw honesty about his struggles with addiction. Throughout his career, stand-up remained a vital part of his creative process, allowing him to connect directly with fans and refine his craft.

Mork & Mindy: The Breakthrough

Hollywood came knocking when Robin was cast as the lovable alien Mork on the sitcom "Happy Days." His portrayal was so successful that it led to its own spin-off, "Mork & Mindy," which aired for four seasons between 1978 and 1982. During this time, Robin earned $35,000 per episode, equivalent to $130,000 today after adjusting for inflation. This role marked the beginning of Robin's rise to stardom and showcased his comedic brilliance to a global audience.

Film Career: A Star is Born

Robin's first major film role came in Robert Altman's "Popeye" (1980), where he played the titular sailor. However, it was his role in "Good Morning, Vietnam" (1987) that truly cemented his status as a Hollywood heavyweight. This film earned him an Academy Award nomination, highlighting his ability to seamlessly blend comedy with drama. In 1989, he starred in "Dead Poets Society," portraying the inspiring teacher John Keating, which solidified his reputation as a versatile actor capable of tackling both comedic and dramatic roles.

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Robin continued to dazzle audiences with films like "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993), where he played a divorced father who disguises himself as a female housekeeper to stay close to his children, and "Good Will Hunting" (1997), where his portrayal of a therapist earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Other notable films include "Hook" (1991), "Jumanji" (1995), "The Birdcage" (1996), and "Patch Adams" (1998). His ability to effortlessly switch between genres proved his extraordinary talent.

Aladdin Salary Scandal: A Bumpy Ride

Robin's relationship with Disney began in 1987 with "Good Morning, Vietnam," produced by its subsidiary, Buena Vista Pictures. Grateful for Disney's support, Robin agreed to take a reduced salary of $75,000 (the Screen Actors Guild minimum) to voice the Genie in "Aladdin" (1992). His primary motivation? Joining the iconic Disney animated tradition and creating something special for his children.

However, Robin had two conditions: his character wouldn't be used for merchandise, and his name or likeness wouldn't dominate more than 25% of advertising artwork. Unfortunately, Disney broke both promises, notably with a poster featuring the Genie prominently. Robin later expressed his frustration, saying, "I just don't want to sell anything—Burger King, toys, stuff." Disney's actions crossed the line, prompting Robin to refuse further collaborations for years.

Despite receiving a $1 million Picasso as an apology, Robin remained upset, especially after "Aladdin" grossed $504 million. It wasn't until Jeffrey Katzenberg's departure from Disney and a public apology from the studio that Robin forgave them. He returned to voice the Genie in the sequel, "Aladdin and the King of Thieves," earning a substantial paycheck. Interestingly, his highest salary came from Disney in 1999 for the film "Bicentennial Man," where he was paid $20 million.

Highest Film Salary: A Big Payday

Robin's highest single paycheck came from the 1999 Disney movie "Bicentennial Man," where he earned a staggering $20 million. Here's a breakdown of some of his other notable salaries:

• "RV" — $1,000,000
• "Man of the Year" — $1,000,000
• "Insomnia" — $2,000,000
• "Death to Smoochy" — $2,000,000
• "Night at the Museum" — $5,000,000
• "Patch Adams" — $10,000,000
• "Flubber" — $10,000,000
• "Jack" — $15,000,000
• "Jumanji" — $15,000,000
• "Bicentennial Man" — $20,000,000

Personal Life and Tragic End

Robin was married three times: to Valerie Velardi (1978–1988), Marsha Garces (1989–2010), and Susan Schneider (2011 until his death). He reportedly paid over $30 million in combined divorce settlements to his first two wives. On August 11, 2014, Robin passed away at his home in Tiburon, California, at the age of 63. He had been battling severe depression and was survived by three children from his first two marriages.

Real Estate: A Look at His Properties

In the early 2000s, Robin built a sprawling mansion on 640 acres in the Napa Valley, naming it Villa Sorriso, meaning "Villa of Smile" in Italian. The estate included a vineyard, solar farm, and lake. The main house, spanning 20,000 square feet, boasted five bedrooms, six full bathrooms, six half-bathrooms, multiple living rooms, a wine cellar, private movie theater, and a state-of-the-art kitchen. After listing it for $35 million in 2012, his heirs sold the property for $18.1 million in January 2016.

In 1991, Robin and his then-wife Marsha purchased a 10,600-square-foot mansion in San Francisco's Sea Cliff neighborhood for $3.2 million. They renovated it extensively, adding a movie theater, hidden bar, and secret tunnel connecting their children's bedrooms. Upon their divorce in 2010, Marsha received the home, listing it for sale in October 2023 for $25 million.

At the time of his death, Robin resided in a home in the Paradise Cay neighborhood of Tiburon, California. He bought the 6,500-square-foot house in 2008 for $4.05 million. Situated on the Tiburon peninsula, the home offered breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay. In November 2020, his widow sold the property for $5.35 million, after initially listing it for $7.25 million the previous year.