Robin: A Deep Insight into Robin Williams' Final Days with His Parkinson's Diagnosis

Robin Williams was one of the most gifted comedic actors to grace the big screen. But he was so much more than that to his friends and family. Williams had one of the boldest personalities, often taking on every one of his challenges head-on and accepting what life had thrown at him. The star would overcome every obstacle he had with just a smile while making the most out of it. However, his life took a turn for the worst, which eventually led to the comedian's early end, shocking friends, family, and fans around the world.

His problems began in 2014, while filming the third installment of the Night at the Museum franchise. While on set, Williams noticed that he could no longer remember his lines, which was highly unusual for the man who was known as a hyperverbal. His makeup artist for the film, Cheri Minns, said that the actor was sobbing in her arms at the end of every day of filming because he believed that he was not able to properly do his job. Minns said that she felt overwhelmed because she believed that she wasn't able to provide him the support he needed to get at that time.

In order for him to get out of his rut, Minns suggested for Williams to return to stand-up. However, Williams refused. Minns explained, “He just cried and said, ‘I can’t, Cheri. I don’t know how anymore. I don’t know how to be funny.'”

However, it was so much more than not knowing "how to be funny." At the time, Robin had no idea that he was suffering from a neurodegenerative disease, and that this disease was slowly tearing Williams apart. In Dave Itzoff's biography, Robin, he outlines the star's struggle against the disease and his tragic final days.

Robin Williams was born in Chicago on July 21, 1951. He had a privileged, but lonely childhood, spending most of his time playing with his toys in the attic. He attended Juilliard and eventually made his way West to try his luck in the California comedy scene. His longtime friend Billy Crystal described Robin’s early days as a stand-up comedian as brilliant; the crowds were not ready for his genius on the stage, and he later earned his place as one of the best stand-up artists in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

After his long stand-up career, Robin landed the role of Mork from Ork, on the very popular show “Happy Days” in February 1978. Co-stars say that the role fit him like a glove. His interpretation was so good, that it even earned him a spinoff show, “Mork & Mindy” in spring of 1979, which had over 60 million viewers. By that time, Williams had already become a household name in family sitcoms.

He later became one of the most noticeable faces on the big screen. He earned his first Oscar nomination as a Vietnam radio host in Good Morning, Vietnam in 1987, then went on to land roles in Dead Poets Society (1989), The Fisher King (1991), and Good Will Hunting (1997), which landed him an Oscar.

Photo source: Miguel Baigts