Understanding Robin Williams Wife and the Full Story Behind His Marriages and Family
If you’re searching for Robin Williams wife, you’re likely hoping to understand the personal life of one of the most beloved and gifted performers in entertainment history. Robin Williams—comedian, actor, improviser, humanitarian—was a once-in-a-generation talent whose humor and heart touched millions. From Mrs. Doubtfire to Good Will Hunting, from his explosive stand-up sets to his unforgettable interviews, he brought joy into the world in ways few could ever match.
Behind that brilliance, however, Robin Williams lived a deeply complex and emotional life, shaped in part by his marriages and the women he loved. He was married three times, fathered three children, and shared profound relationships filled with love, growth, challenges, and meaning.
This article explores who Robin Williams’s wives were, what role they played in his life, and how his relationships helped shape the man behind the laughter.
Who Was Robin Williams?
Before looking at his marriages, it’s important to remember who Robin Williams was as a performer and person. Born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago, Williams grew up with a vivid imagination and a magnetic personality that later fueled his comedy career. He studied at Juilliard before rising to fame with Mork & Mindy, where his improvisational genius stunned audiences.
He went on to become one of Hollywood’s most successful and respected actors. Some of his most iconic films include:
- Good Morning, Vietnam
- Dead Poets Society
- The Fisher King
- Jumanji
- Mrs. Doubtfire
- Aladdin
- Good Will Hunting
Despite his global fame, Robin was widely known for being gentle, compassionate, and deeply empathetic. These qualities also guided his romantic relationships.
How Many Times Was Robin Williams Married?
Robin Williams was married three times:
- Valerie Velardi (1978–1988)
- Marsha Garces Williams (1989–2010)
- Susan Schneider Williams (2011–2014, until his death)
Each marriage marked a different era in his life—his early rise to fame, his years raising a family, and his emotional final chapter.
Robin Williams’s First Wife: Valerie Velardi
Who Is Valerie Velardi?
Valerie Velardi is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher who met Robin Williams before he became a household name. They met in the mid-1970s, when Robin was performing stand-up comedy in San Francisco.
She was with him during the years when he rapidly rose to fame, and their marriage reflects the whirlwind of his early success.
Their Marriage
Robin and Valerie married in 1978, the same year Mork & Mindy premiered. Valerie provided support during Robin’s transition from struggling comic to international star.
Their Son
Together, they welcomed their first child:
- Zachary “Zak” Williams, born in 1983
Zak later became a mental health advocate and entrepreneur.
Why They Divorced
Robin and Valerie divorced in 1988 after ten years of marriage. Valerie later explained that fame, demanding schedules, and Robin’s struggles with addiction put strain on their relationship.
Despite the divorce, she continued to speak of Robin with respect and affection.
Robin Williams’s Second Wife: Marsha Garces Williams
Who Is Marsha Garces?
Marsha Garces Williams is a film producer, philanthropist, and former nanny who became Robin’s second wife. She originally cared for Zak as a nanny, and over time, she and Robin formed a friendship that developed into a loving partnership.
Their Marriage
Marsha and Robin married in April 1989, shortly after the end of his first marriage. Their union lasted more than 20 years, making it his longest marriage.
Their Children
Robin and Marsha welcomed two children:
- Zelda Rae Williams, born in 1989
- Cody Alan Williams, born in 1991
Zelda became an actress, director, and voice artist, while Cody now works behind the scenes in film.
Their Creative Collaboration
Marsha produced several of Robin’s major projects, including:
- Mrs. Doubtfire
- Patch Adams
- Jakob the Liar
- Robin Williams: Live on Broadway
Their partnership blended love, family life, and creative vision.
Divorce
Robin and Marsha divorced in 2010. While details were kept private, the separation was said to be amicable. They remained connected through co-parenting and mutual respect.
Robin Williams’s Third Wife: Susan Schneider Williams
Who Is Susan Schneider Williams?
Susan Schneider Williams is a graphic designer and artist. When she met Robin, she was a widow raising two children and working quietly in Northern California. Their love story unfolded late in Robin’s life, during a time when he was more interested in peace and simplicity than fame.
How They Met
Robin and Susan met at an Apple Store in Marin County in 2007. Their connection was instant, rooted in shared interests such as nature, art, and emotional grounding.
Their Marriage
Robin and Susan married on October 22, 2011, in Napa Valley. Their wedding was intimate and heartfelt. Robin often said that Susan brought joy, calm, and unconditional love into his life.
Their Life Together
The couple shared a quiet, nature-oriented lifestyle away from Hollywood. They enjoyed:
- hiking
- spending time at home with pets
- traveling
- time with Robin’s children
Susan has described Robin as loving, attentive, and the center of her world.
Robin’s Health Struggles
In his final years, Robin began experiencing severe physical and cognitive symptoms that confused doctors and devastated his family. After his death in 2014, an autopsy revealed he had Lewy body dementia, a rare and aggressive neurological disorder.
Susan has since become a passionate advocate for raising awareness about the disease, ensuring Robin’s struggles help others.
What Robin Williams’s Wives Revealed About Him
Across his three marriages, a consistent picture emerges: Robin Williams was loving, gentle, warm, and deeply emotional. Each wife described him as:
- affectionate
- generous
- thoughtful
- imaginative
- compassionate
But he also fought internal battles that he often kept hidden behind humor and kindness.
Robin Williams as a Father
Robin took fatherhood seriously and poured his heart into raising his three children. He often spoke about how becoming a father grounded him and gave his life meaning.
His approach to parenting included:
- reading bedtime stories
- encouraging creativity
- helping with school projects
- staying connected despite work
- teaching empathy
His children have often expressed how much love and support he gave them throughout their lives.
Why Fans Are Curious About Robin Williams’s Wife
People search for “Robin Williams wife” because:
- his marriages shaped different parts of his emotional journey
- fans admire the love he shared with each partner
- his final marriage reveals deep sincerity and vulnerability
- the circumstances of his passing brought attention to his last years
- his family remains devoted to honoring his legacy
His story touches people deeply because it reflects both love and pain—universal human experiences.
Final Thought
Now that you know the full story behind Robin Williams wife, it’s clear that each of his marriages played an important role in shaping his extraordinary life. Valerie Velardi supported him during his explosive rise to fame. Marsha Garces Williams shared decades of family life and creative collaboration. Susan Schneider Williams stood beside him during his peaceful later years and held his hand through an unimaginable health battle.
Robin Williams left an unforgettable legacy of laughter, compassion, and artistic brilliance. Just as importantly, he left behind a story of love—woven through the three women who shared his life and the three children who carry his spirit forward.
Featured image source: Pinterest
