His Last Days & Legacy Of Laughs

Remembering the comic superstar six years after his shock death

- Jennie Noonan

For almost four decades, comic genius Robin Williams inspired and entertained audiences around the world. His mother, Laurie, once said her son “was put on earth to make us laugh”.

Fans and friends were united in shock and grief with news of his death by suicide six years ago. “He was the brightest star in a comedy galaxy,” said his friend and collaborator Billy Crystal. “But while some of the brightest of our celestial bodies are actually extinct now … their beautiful light will continue to shine on us forever, and the glow will be so bright it’ll warm your heart.”

On the small screen, the sitcom Mork & Mindy first catapulted Williams to stardom during its run from 1978 to 1982. On the big screen, he made a slew of hit comedies, as well as having some of his more serious roles honoured (he took home an Oscar for Good Will Hunting and a Golden Globe for Good Morning, Vietnam).

Aside from his professional legacy, his three children, Zachary, 37, Zelda, 31, and Cody, 28, continue to honor his memory – with a fitting sense of humour. Zelda marked her dad’s July 21 birthday by donating to charities in an amount the actor would’ve approved of.