Robin Williams’ Son Zak Shares Tearjerking Memory About Father
Much like a certain Disney genie, the late Robin Williams granted wishes to people in need of a helping hand, according to his son Zak Williams.
“When I was a little kid, and we’d be walking in San Francisco where I grew up, [Robin] would stop, talk to someone on the street — a homeless person — say, ‘Hey boss, what can I do for you?’” Zak told People at the recent 12th Annual Bring Change to Mind Revels & Revelations gala. “And we’d see him get meals, food, money.”
The comedian, who died at age 63 in 2014, “Cared deeply about people in need, and I think for me, he opened my eyes to really what kindness was all about,” Zak added. “It was deeply important to him to help improve the human condition, and that extends beyond helping people laugh and learn about themselves.”
Zak also mentioned how his famous father raised money and awareness for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Scott Gries/Getty Images
Now Zak, pictured above with Robin in 2002, and his siblings are continuing their father’s “extremely important” philanthropy. Zak, for instance, is the chair of Glenn Close’s Bring Change to Mind organization, which is devoted to ending the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness.
“We see it as a natural extension of what [Robin] would want, which is helping bring healing and helping develop resilience for folks, especially young people. He loved kids,” Zak said of his siblings’ work. “And as a family, we feel it’s a natural way to honor his legacy.”
Zak is Robin’s son with first wife Valerie Velardi, and he has two half siblings, Zelda and Cody Williams, who are the late Oscar winner’s children with second wife Marsha Garces.
This July, on what would have been Robin’s 73rd birthday, Zak shared more praise for his father. “I remember you for all the hope and joy you brought to the world,” he wrote on X at the time. “There’s not a week that goes by without someone sharing with me how you helped them through a dark time or a rough patch. I’m so grateful to be your son. Love you forever.”
Conversation17 Comments
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K
The world is a better place because of the time Robin Williams spent among us.
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J
I will miss Robin Williams FOREVER!! Nobody could made me laugh or cry the way he could!! 🤣😪❤️⚡️
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R
I just said that the other day...How The world losing Robin Williams was a Huge Loss for Humanity... Wonderful.. Wonderful MAN
..very Sad 😢
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B
They dont make them like they used to that's for sure he was one in a million. He made me laugh cry and feel wonderful such a joy on screen and off ... Natural at all he did! He would be really proud of his children as they are of him. Keep his memory alive and never stop helping people and never stop the laughter it's the best medicine!
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O
Robin brought so much happiness to people, exuding love in all his professional projects. It's not surprising that he was just as special in his private life. He's my favorite forever. I just posted his piece on how golf was invented with his Scottish accent. Timeless! He was the best! Comedic genius!
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O
What a tragedy to lose such a great and fabulous man. Im quite sure Zak and his siblings will honor their father even more.
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B
I had a chance to meet the famous Robin Williams and it was a dream that came true something I will never forget.i loved everything that he has ever done but til the end but like he said you never find a friend like me. So that's where I leave it at and still love my friend. Always and forever missing you always.... Cassie
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G
I ♥️ this - I'm not surprised to read this cuz Robin has a huge & beautiful ❤️!
I'm from a small town in IA. When I was 19 my best gf & I went to Des Moines to a club to see male dancers! 😘 It closed at 2am & we went to Perkins. His tour bus was there. He stepped out & said Na Nu like the "Mork & Mindy" show he was on! He hugged & kissed us on the cheek! His driver was getting him food! He made us laugh so hard as he talked to us asking us if we thought he could be a male dancer as he shook his hips! Then he jumped back into his bus as people started coming out of Perkins! He asked us to please don't tell anyone he was outside as they were on a time crunch to get to his next gig.
I'm now 64 & so blessed I met him, I'll never forget him! His death was so hard on me! All the people he made laugh & he loved in his life; all while he suffered so sadly inside himself! 😢
My son was born with Suicidal Depression & in his teens he attempted suicide 3 times & luckily he's ok. He can be great & for no reason & within minutes want to kill himself! No meds ever worked. He now does ECT Electro Shock Therapy @ a hospital to stay alive. He's 31 & has been with his soulmate for 2 yrs now & no love isn't a cure, but helps. We all live together so we can watch him closely!
He said he makes others laugh so they never notice HIS pain!
Suicidal Depression is real! If you meet anyone that has it, please get them the help they need 🩷💙♥️
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R
Robin was unique. He had his own way of making people laugh. Wish he was still here making us laugh. Robin, you are missed n loved more than you know. Thank you for sharing your talents and laughter with us!!
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O
Is no one going to mention the striking resemblance and spot on voice of Robin Williams and Uncle Pappy?
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G
Robin Williams is the best he put a smile on a lot of people's faces is so sad the way he passed for a man who set the world in joy and helping people who are ignored by a lot of people because of their circumstances Zak your dad was a great loss to the world and thank you for reminding us of his gift of love and life
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O
I loved Robin and his Mrs Doubtfire where rated a 20 on scale of one to ten for laughing so hard you wet yourself.
Robin was an amazing human being.
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B
Robin Williams was one of the first actor/comedians I met once I'd started accepting roles as a background actor in television and motion picture projects.
I had the pleasure of meeting him in my role as an a&r rep on the movie "Father's Day". Of all people to pull a prank on during the taping of this movie he chose none other than yours truly.
He was one of the most down to earth people I'd ever met in Hollywood.
Very funny, spontaneous, and good hearted type of guy.
We offer our prayers to his family and friends.
R.I.P. Robin Williams (1951-2014)
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R
He loved everyone,but himself
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N
Read my reply to "talianangel" to see how wrong you are.
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R
Brilliant actor and humanitarian but took the easy way out... He could have asked or searched for help
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N
You are the one who needs to search out what it is like to have mental inless and sometimes you feel that ending your life is the only way out. I have chronic depression and anxiety/panic attack disorder that has been a major effect on my life and in the summer of 2020 I committed myself to a mental hospital to seek help because I was at a very low point in my life and I wanted to end my life to be away from it, I almost did 2 times in a week but God was able to help me to stop myself and also without the love and support of my Dad and my mental health doctor helping me to see I needed professtional help I would not be here today.
Robin Williams was a wonderful man who was dealing with a horrible disease and he didn't know how to deal with it but he did not take the easy way out as you think he did. He was a very funny and loving man who will be missed for all no matter how long ago he passed away, there have only been a couple of celebrity deaths that made me cry and Robin is one of them.
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