Robin Williams: A Biography

by Andy Dougan

Named the Funniest Person Alive by "Entertainment Weekly" in 1997, Robin Williams is one of the most popular screen actors today. This biography provides a detailed look at the comedian's life and career, from his poor-little-rich-kid childhood to his first big break to his battle with substance abuse to his recent successes.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Humor

312 pages, Hardcover

First published October 19, 1998

Reviews

[Kevin Gallan · Rating 5 out of 5]

i very much enjoyed this book...

[Horus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an unauthorized biography, pieced together from interviews the author did have with Williams, media publications and programs and interviews with those friends or family who were willing. The book concludes long before his death, but details a lot about his early life and career in a pretty sympathetic way. It is not salacious gossip, but a well written review of one celebrity’s life. I came upon the book by chance and it was nice to spend some time ‘with’ Mr. Williams again, even in this very peripheral way.

[Brandi D'Angelo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. I had no idea that Robin's mother was from New Orleans and that he was an athlete in high school- a runner and wrestler. He was such a talented and gifted performer. It's tragic that he died of suicide.

[Kristen Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only part of his life, but nice to read now.

[Avery · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was published in 1998, and although it does delve occasionally into his drug & alcohol abuse and depression, it is more a review on his career, his ego, his womenizing and it is full of praises for his two ex-wives Valerie Velardi and Marsha Garces who supported him and tolerated his daliances. Passages in the book tell how he has finally beaten his vices and depression and all is well in his marriage to Marcia (we all know that he remarried again). The book portrays him as such a loving father, it makes one wonder how he could leave them with the horrific memory of his suicide. Guess it was too dated to fully enjoy it - it certainly shows that even when you think all is well, there's always a new challenge lurking around the next corner. Genuis he was, and I will always admire him.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was great to get some insight into the life of Robin Williams. Would have been better to read an authorized biography but this was what I could find. There was a lot of repetition in the book and a lot of statistical talk about his movies. Overall though I think it was worth the read, I come away feeling like I understand him and appreciate him even more. Being very much a fan of film in general, I quite enjoyed the amount of detail that was written about the movies he worked on too.

[Steve · Rating 1 out of 5]

Book starts off well enough about Robin's childhood but doesn't really dig deep into his methods or motivation. Ends up pretty-much being an extended review of each movie he'd made until 1997. I'm not even sure if the author interviewed Robin. Andy Dougan seems to be just more of a fan than anything.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book about a very funny and creative man. Author claims to have interviewed Robin over the course of four years, in addition to many other interviews with family, friends and co-workers. First publication is 1998.

[Celia Kosir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been fascinated by Robin Williams and never really knew much about his background. Even though it was boring at times, I'm glad that I took the time to read this book.I appreciate him even more because of it.

[Shandi Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved robin in every film or comedy show that I seen him in and this book was no different. To know more about his life, his bringing up, his struggles and achievements was spectacular. This man will truly be miss by many. MUST READ!!!

[Annburnett]

I love Robin Williams but didn't really enjoy this book about him very much.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unauthorized and some insights but lots of boring filler, too.