Robin Williams: The Tragedy Behind the Smile

The death of Robin Williams in 2014 came as a shock to his fans, friends, and family. Audiences knew the actor from his bright comedies, which defined a generation growing up in the 1980s and 1990s. But behind the mask of the joker lay a dark side.

Williams began his career in stand-up comedy, then moved to television, where he caught the attention of Hollywood producers. He starred in hits such as «Good Morning, Vietnam!», «Mrs. Doubtfire», and «Jumanji», but even in these comedies, real drama sometimes broke through. It was especially evident in films like «Dead Poets Society» and «What Dreams May Come». For his role as a psychotherapist in «Good Will Hunting», he won an Academy Award.

Williams« personal life was also troubled. For many years, he struggled with alcoholism and depression, which toward the end of his life were worsened by a misdiagnosis of Parkinson»s disease. This ailment, later deemed incorrect, left the actor with no chance.