Robin Williams: A Singular Portrait, 1986-2002

by Arthur Grace

I had always thought that when I was around 84 and Robin was 80 we could collaborate on a book about the golden years of his career where he could look at my photographs and reminisce about the events and his feelings at the time. Unfortunately, that book was never to be . . . .

Photographer Arthur Grace first met Robin Williams in April 1986, at a comedy club in Pittsburgh where Williams was working to polish what would eventually become his award-winning special “Evening at the Met”. The two hit it off immediately, and thus blossomed a close friendship that carried them through their increasingly successful careers. Told through a series of stunning photographs of Williams taken by Grace over the course of this decades-long partnership, Robin A Singular Portrait offers a touching and up-close look at the real Robin Williams—the manic and happy, the pensive and weary, the engaged and disengaged, a true portrait of one of America’s greatest comics and most beloved actors.

For the millions of people around the globe that Robin Williams has touched, these images, more than 150 photographs, a glorious mixture of stunning color and resonating black and white presented in exhibit format, will be something to embrace and cherish, not simply because of their exclusivity, but because of their intimacy and their honesty.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Biography, Art

192 pages, Hardcover

First published August 9, 2016

Reviews

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short but hefty book gave a more vivid description of Robin Williams than biographies twice this size. Grace centers on his own relationship with Williams and is NOT a complete biography but that is still plenty satisfying. We see a glimpse of the man's character on and off stage or screen. Included are personal photos from the the Williams family and behind the scenes snaps of some key movie scenes in Williams' career, such as the park bench scene in Good Will Hunting.



Just why the narrative and photos end in 2002 is not clear and that's the only reason why I gave this four stars instead of five. I think 2002 is when Robin and Marcia divorced (and Marcia was also a friend of Grace's), but that is not given as the reason for the sudden stop in the story.

[Elizabeth Gambeski · Rating 4 out of 5]

this intimate collection was a perfect counter to Itzkoff’s book because it offered a view of Robin from a friend’s perspective rather than a researcher. the ups and downs were still visible, but often muted by the tender moments that he showed. it was strange to know all that was going on behind these pictures in Williams’ life, but it was still a beautiful view.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful slice of life.

[Ietrio · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that gave me mixed feelings. The pictures are good. You may say professional. In the sense that there are no beginner or amateurish mistakes. But each and every time the merit belongs to Robin. Robin is so special, so different. I am even today impressed. I mean, Billy Crystal is an accomplished comic with years of experience, yet in every frame he becomes almost invisible, he is so plain he blends in the background when Robin is there.

I have ignored the text. Maybe some other time.

[Miss Fluffykins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures that capture the many aspects of Robin's personality

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful collection of photographs with great side stories. Robin will be forever missed. A magical human. ❤️

[Tabark · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's kind of photobiography of Robin Williams.

[Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, but caused too many sad reflections.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book, filled with wonderful pictures. This book was delightful, but a little sad. Still haven't gotten over the loss of Robin. He was a funny, funny man and an amazing actor. Probably the only comedian that could make me laugh until I don't think I could laugh anymore. I was very lucky to see him on tour in Charlotte, NC in February 2009. Funniest night ever! Loved this book and all the pictures. Photographer Arthur Grace really captured some great shots, some very personal. It was nice to get a glimpse inside Robin's personal world. He's sorely missed, but I'm sure he's keeping everyone in stitches in Heaven. Great book and I may need to add it to my personal collection.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book of photographs from Arthur Grace, who had exclusive back-stage access to the life and career of Robin Williams from 1986 to 2002. In addition to the wonderful photographs, Arthur Grace describes his adventures with the renowned comedian, including winning an Oscar and his portrayals in films like "Good Will Hunting". More importantly for me, the intimate shots of Robin Williams' family were lovely and touching after hearing about his children during interviews. The only reason it didn't receive a five star review was due to the huge weight of the book.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, it was an honor to read this book. As an adult born in the 1980s and raised on several of Robin's movies, I was devastated by his death in 2014. I enjoyed the stories about his life behind-the-scenes, and was saddened by the stories of his fatigue from seemingly always being "on" for the public. I know from documentary interviews with his kids that he was a normal dad and wasn't always in comedian mode, but the stories of his having to perform when he was on vacation were sobering.

This is a great book with stories, and photos that haven't been seen. Highly recommend.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful coffee table book that i read in one sitting. Arthur Grace, a photographer and friend of Robin's knew him for 30 plus years and photographed him at home, on set, on vacation. This is a collection of photos that perfectly depict Robin and made me sad and appreciative all over again. He was an amazing comic, family man, and actor. I really loved this book.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enormous photo essay coffee table book. Poor, talented Robin.

[Shannon Lionheart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photography.

Beautiful moments.

Some of my favorite photos of Robin.