The Life and Humor of Robin Williams: A Biography

by Jay David

Ever since his days as "Mork" on Mork and Mindy, Robin Williams has captivated the hearts and funny bones of audiences everywhere. No one will forget his performances in such classics as Good Morning Vietnam, Awakenings, and Dead Poets Society, or his hilarious roles as the nanny in Mrs. Doubtfire and as the zany doctor in Patch Adams. The Life and Humor of Robin Williams offers his millions of fans a lively, thorough account of Robin Williams's life and career. Chronicling the early years, from his supportive Chicago childhood to his first college improv class, the book goes on to describe the actor's rapid descent into Hollywood's fast lane. But Williams cleaned up his life and made a breakthrough into serious acting with his extraordinary performance in The World According to Garp and the steady climb ever since to his more recent, Oscar-winning triumph in Good Will Hunting.

For the countless fans of Robin Williams, this biography is a fascinating and comprehensive look at the star's inspiring history.

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 1999

Reviews

[Brandon Ulman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like a school report, it seems to be culled mostly from magazine articles, with most of the author's actual work reduced to stringing it all together. Unfortunately, the writing leaves much to be desired, and I don't feel any more informed on who Williams really was. Some of the quotes from the subject and people who knew him are new to me, but again, offer very little in the way of actual depth. At least it goes quickly: 208 pages with fairly large typeset.

[Pat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from a school library, so I considered it to be a "Young Adult" biography and wasn't too disappointed by the light, superficial chronology of Robin Williams life & oeuvre. Quick, easy read. The book was published in 1999, so it doesn't include his later work.

[Semi-Academic Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of his beginnings, from childhood through improv comedy classes, and through Mork & Mindy, I found interesting. That was what I wanted to read about. Maybe at some point I might be interested in reading about his movie experiences up through Patch Adams. This part, though, seems like reading almost any entertainment magazine or web listed filmography with extra bits of info added in to spice it up. For now, I shall put this back on the shelf. I'd much rather spend the time watching Robin Williams or other improvisors. However, the book does show us, at least at the beginning, how playing one's life forward can actually work... with some difficulties thrown in to make it interesting.

[Paul Baker · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is well outdated, as it ends in 1998, right after Patch Adams. In addition, it doesn't go into much detail and functions principally as a review of his movies.

[Mimi Testen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful Book! I miss him!