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ROBIN WILLIAMS: A Biography of Robin Williams
ROBIN A Biography of Robin Williams Anyone who has had more than a passing interest in comedy or acting has, at one point or another, been blown away by the genius of Robin Williams. It feels strange to call what he did “genius”, but this biography would be very far from the first. The truth is, anyone that worked with him came away with the same feeling—“this guy is different.” And so, he was. His life was a charmed one, starting as a standup entertainer on the mean streets of San Francisco in the 70’s,to becoming one of the world’s premier actors and starring in award-winning films. Even the way in which he got his big break was atypical, taking a bit role in a failing TV show and creating a brand and a future for himself nearly overnight. But, the root of all his genius and fame is his standup career. Williams was a master of the stage and had crowds reeling in delight for decades after he started. His frenetically paced monologues were completely unique and thoroughly entertaining. Williams could switch from character to character with startling ease and always seemed to be one step ahead of the audience’s expectations. Still, it is completely impossible to copy him. This biography charts his life story.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2018
103 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 24, 2024
This was a mess
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October 1, 2025Review of Robin Williams: A Biography of Robin Williams
By: Ziggy Watson
I grew up with Robin Williams having loved Aladdin and Mrs. Doubtfire as a child, and as I have gotten older and matured as a viewer, I have discovered most of his movies throughout my life. I was even able to watch a few episodes of Mork and Mindy on Youtube. Watson is clearly a fan and doesn’t just cover Williams’ career, but Williams mental health issues and his use of cocaine and becoming an alcoholic later in life. Watson also touches on his marriages, having kids, and the other performers that inspired him. Watson doesn’t spend too much time on the negative aspects but reminds us of these aspects are part of Williams life. Williams impacted and influenced a lot of people and was more than a performer. You never had a friend like him and Williams is one of the more famous actors I would have loved to have met in person. I appreciated the book talking about his early career in Stand-up Comedy and how it wasn’t easy but perfect for his style. He highlights his friendships with people like Billy Crystal, John Belushi, and Jonathan Winters, who inspired him. I wonder if I’m being too nice to the author giving this at least three stars, but I haven’t read anything else by Ziggy Watson, so I can’t say if their other works are better written. Sadly, there are typos and sentences that were too long. This book could have used an editor, and it wasn’t long enough in my opinion. He covers some about Robin Williams and is very respectful to his name, but I knew this from watching Robin Williams interview on Actor’s Studio, which I recommend watching. I wish the book had covered more of Williams’ life and career, because there are so many movies that have introduced people to this brilliant man, though I’m assuming he covered the movies he thought important to discuss. The last chapter gave bittersweet feelings as he talks about Robin Williams’ legacy and how he’ll be remembered. It wasn’t a horrible read, but it could have used work.
By: Ziggy Watson
I grew up with Robin Williams having loved Aladdin and Mrs. Doubtfire as a child, and as I have gotten older and matured as a viewer, I have discovered most of his movies throughout my life. I was even able to watch a few episodes of Mork and Mindy on Youtube. Watson is clearly a fan and doesn’t just cover Williams’ career, but Williams mental health issues and his use of cocaine and becoming an alcoholic later in life. Watson also touches on his marriages, having kids, and the other performers that inspired him. Watson doesn’t spend too much time on the negative aspects but reminds us of these aspects are part of Williams life. Williams impacted and influenced a lot of people and was more than a performer. You never had a friend like him and Williams is one of the more famous actors I would have loved to have met in person. I appreciated the book talking about his early career in Stand-up Comedy and how it wasn’t easy but perfect for his style. He highlights his friendships with people like Billy Crystal, John Belushi, and Jonathan Winters, who inspired him. I wonder if I’m being too nice to the author giving this at least three stars, but I haven’t read anything else by Ziggy Watson, so I can’t say if their other works are better written. Sadly, there are typos and sentences that were too long. This book could have used an editor, and it wasn’t long enough in my opinion. He covers some about Robin Williams and is very respectful to his name, but I knew this from watching Robin Williams interview on Actor’s Studio, which I recommend watching. I wish the book had covered more of Williams’ life and career, because there are so many movies that have introduced people to this brilliant man, though I’m assuming he covered the movies he thought important to discuss. The last chapter gave bittersweet feelings as he talks about Robin Williams’ legacy and how he’ll be remembered. It wasn’t a horrible read, but it could have used work.
November 19, 2021
Not being a fan of Mr. Williams, although he was enormously famous, I found the book mostly informative rather than an example of great writing. Seems fair. The revelations it presents are surprising. I knew he was comedic and an actor who was indelibly the persona Robin Williams in whatever role he took on. What I didn't know, was that he was openly addicted to substances, that he came from a wealthy background and that he went to Juilliard's acting school and was later given an honorary doctorate for it by that institution. The actor was fraught with psychological problems and clown-like, covered his anguish with his irresistible smile and off-the-wall antics. You couldn't help but love the guy while at the same time, knowing there must be something else under the charm of the mask. While the writing in the book is somewhere between rank amateur and newspaper daily, in workmanship and style, its ultimate picture in the end, is a tragedy in which Williams's audiences gained far more out of his life and work, than ever he did.
January 2, 2021
I am a huge fan of this actor and comedian. His funny show Mork and Mindy was one of the most influential shows that I have watched ever. He had such a great sense of humour
However his comedy was a small part of him only. His life was not what people saw which was a shame as had he received help for his mental health he may have not had the issues he did.
It is also a sad book as well as they talk about his death by suicide and what could have attributed it.
However his comedy was a small part of him only. His life was not what people saw which was a shame as had he received help for his mental health he may have not had the issues he did.
It is also a sad book as well as they talk about his death by suicide and what could have attributed it.
October 8, 2023
Wonderful!
I was very angry with him when I heard the news he took his life. I thought him a coward. Then I heard I had never been more wrong about anything in my life. I miss him and will forever after watch his genius on film and TV. We are all so blessed he was here if only for a short time. God Bless.
I was very angry with him when I heard the news he took his life. I thought him a coward. Then I heard I had never been more wrong about anything in my life. I miss him and will forever after watch his genius on film and TV. We are all so blessed he was here if only for a short time. God Bless.
January 2, 2024
One star was more than I wanted to give but ½ star wasn't an option. On the positive side, I did learn some things about Robin Williams. But, there were so many typos and rambling sentences it took the joy of reading right out of this book. The writing style was amateurish and hard to follow. I don't believe I would never recommend this book or this author.
March 10, 2021
The best way to truly understand one great mind
Always has been and always will be my favorite human, I which I've never met. A truly amazing put autobiography. May he rest in paradise.
Always has been and always will be my favorite human, I which I've never met. A truly amazing put autobiography. May he rest in paradise.
October 25, 2022
Indeed Robin was an incredible man. I'd go as far as saying he was a prodigy. This book tells a short story of his life and how none of us knew the real struggles that he was dealing with. May we never forget the legend.
January 4, 2023
Brilliant Man
I wish it was longer! What I would do to dive into the mind of this man. It’s somewhat surprising no one caught onto the darkness hiding behind the comedy earlier.
Quick and easy read.
I wish it was longer! What I would do to dive into the mind of this man. It’s somewhat surprising no one caught onto the darkness hiding behind the comedy earlier.
Quick and easy read.
May 28, 2019
It may have been a quick read, but covered Robin Williams pretty well. He is missed & will always be missed.
February 6, 2021
Disappointing
Why I say disappointing is because it was to short. I did enjoy learning things about him and discovering why he died so young!
Why I say disappointing is because it was to short. I did enjoy learning things about him and discovering why he died so young!
December 20, 2021
Love robin
Want a good read on his life. This is the book to read. I enjoyed it and learned something’s about him.
Want a good read on his life. This is the book to read. I enjoyed it and learned something’s about him.
February 18, 2022
I liked it
It was a good read, very interesting and informative. I felt it was a good overview of his life for its length.
It was a good read, very interesting and informative. I felt it was a good overview of his life for its length.
March 27, 2022
Very Superficial
I already knew most of the things in the book. It only skims the surface of his life, It is a short summation of William’s life. Easy and fast read.
I already knew most of the things in the book. It only skims the surface of his life, It is a short summation of William’s life. Easy and fast read.
December 26, 2022
Funny Man
Funny man but tortured soul who. solidered on in life to make people happy. He truly is the definition of what you see on the surface isn't what's going on underneath.
Funny man but tortured soul who. solidered on in life to make people happy. He truly is the definition of what you see on the surface isn't what's going on underneath.
December 8, 2024
Very quick read. Just a glimpse into Robin's life.
July 31, 2019
This was more of a quick rundown of his career mixed in with a lot of info that seemed thrown in here and there. Many typos and grammatical errors. Look elsewhere if you are looking for an actually biography.
October 16, 2018
Gave no warmth or depth to Williams. Written like a scholastic reading book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews