Robin

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From his rapid-fire stand-up comedy to his breakout role in Mork & Mindy and his Academy Award-winning performance in Good Will Hunting, Robin Williams was an innovative and beloved entertainer. He often appeared as a man possessed, passionately discussing culture and politics while revealing personal insights, all with a frenetic intensity as he seamlessly transitioned between characters. However, as Dave Itzkoff reveals in this biography, Williams's comedic genius concealed a profound depth of conflicting emotions and self-doubt, which he channeled into his comedy and celebrated films like Dead Poets Society, Good Morning, Vietnam, The Fisher King, Aladdin, and Mrs. Doubtfire. His performance in Good Will Hunting showcased his ability to deliver an intense and controlled portrayal, highlighting his true talent. The biography also explores Williams's struggles with addiction and depression—issues he openly addressed during performances and interviews—as well as a debilitating condition that affected him later in life. Drawing on over a hundred original interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, along with extensive archival research, this work offers a fresh perspective on a man whose artistry profoundly impacted countless lives.