Zak Williams Reflects on Father’s Legacy on His Birthday

On what would have been the 73rd birthday of the beloved actor Robin Williams, his son Zak Williams took to social media to share an emotional tribute. The actor, known for his incredible humor and a career spanning decades, left a lasting impact on many lives during his time on Earth.

Zak, now 41, expressed his feelings in a heartfelt message posted on Instagram on July 21, commemorating his father’s birthday. «Dad, on what would be your 73rd birthday, I remember you for all the hope and joy you brought to the world,» Zak wrote. He went on to highlight the numerous instances where people have shared stories about how Robin influenced their lives during challenging times.

In his touching message, Zak reflected, «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.» To accompany his message, he included a nostalgic black-and-white photograph of Robin, capturing a moment of him smiling while seated on the floor.

The entertainment world has faced significant loss in 2024, with notable figures passing away, including Christian Oliver, a star of Speed Racer, who tragically died at the age of 51 in a plane crash. Alongside two daughters, Madita and Annik, Oliver was traveling back home after a vacation when the accident occurred.

Zak Williams has taken on a crucial role as a mental health advocate and is the co-founder and CEO of Prepare Your Mind (PYM), a company focused on dietary supplements. His commitment to mental health reflects his father’s struggles. Throughout his illustrious career, Robin faced severe depression, substance abuse issues, and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease shortly before his death in 2014.

In 2019, five years after Robin’s passing, Zak welcomed his first child, McLaurin Clement Williams, with his then-fiancée Olivia June. The couple later married and had a daughter, Zola June Williams, in 2021, paying tribute to Robin by naming their son after him. McLaurin is also Robin’s middle name, a continuing tribute to his late father.

Robin Williams, born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, enjoyed a vibrant career in Hollywood that spanned several genres and formats, earning him recognition as one of the greatest comedians and actors of his time. He passed away at the young age of 63 due to suicide, leaving a profound impact that resonated far and wide.

The late actor’s legacy is further emphasized by his three children: Zachary (Zak) Pym Williams, Zelda Williams, and Cody Williams. Each has shared their personal experiences dealing with their father’s passing. Zelda, for instance, spoke candidly about how the grief of losing him was compounded by the public eye.

In August 2016, Zelda reflected on the unexpected challenges that came with public grieving. «For a while, I think nobody would let me do anything. It was like, ‘Oh s—t, are you OK?’ And then even if you are OK, they’re like, ‘But what’s wrong?’» She noted that during that time of grieving, she found solace in her creativity, resulting in her writing twelve scripts.

Robin’s career was marked by a significant number of iconic films and performances, with notable titles including «Dead Poets Society,» «Good Will Hunting,» «Mrs. Doubtfire,» and his emotional portrayal of the Genie in Disney’s «Aladdin.» These performances showcased his unique ability to blend humor with poignant storytelling.

Following Robin’s death, his wife, Susan Schneider Williams, opened up about his struggles, describing how he was haunted by an «invisible monster» that contributed to the challenges he faced in his life. The personal insight from his family has shed light on the struggles that many individuals may keep private.

The legacy of Robin Williams lives on, not just through his films but also through the impact he made on individuals, as evident from Zak’s heartfelt messages. The outpouring of love and reminiscences during significant moments, such as birthdays, serves as a testament to the joy and inspiration he gave to countless people worldwide.

As the years pass, the memory of Robin Williams remains a symbol of hope and resilience. His son Zak continues to honor his father’s memory while also working to raise awareness about mental health issues, ensuring that Robin’s legacy will persist for future generations.