Robin was born on July 21st, 1952, in Chicago. His parents were middle-aged when he was born and while both had grown children from previous marriages, Williams was raised as an only child, who entertained himself by memorising Jonathan Winters' comedy records. After graduating High School he studied political science at Claremont Men's College and then trained to be a serious actor, first at Marin College in California and then at the prestiguous art school Juilliard under John Houseman (he helped pay his tuition by working as a mime). He then returned to California to perform standup on the club circuit. Hie had appearcnes in L.A.'s 'Comedy Store' and the late 70s reincarnation of 'Laugh-In'. From there, Williams was cast as Mork from Ork, a crazy space alien, on a fanciful episode of 'Happy Days'. Robin had his own sitcom 'Mork and Mindy', which ran from 1978 to 1982. The show was a hit and established Williams as one of the most popular comedians (along with Richard Pryor and Billy Crystal) of the 70s and 80s. Though his ceaseless ad-libbing can grate on sensitive nerves, there is something teddy bearish about Williams that makes him tolerable. He made his starring film debut in the title role of Robert Altman's comic fantasy 'Popeye' (1980). He flexed his dramatic muscles in his next film, 'The World According to Garp' (1982), but again did not find box-office success. Robin Williams finally became a bona fide star when he was cast as real life military disc jockey Adrian Cronauer in 'Good Morning, Vietnam'. Whereas the real Cronauer was a rather quiet man, Williams' interpretation showed the comic at his maniacal best. Director Barry Levinson allowed Williams to pepper his radio monologues with plenty of humorous ad-libs. The film was a smash hit and earned Williams his first Oscar nomination. from www.barnesandnoble.com
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