Net Worth Ranker
What Is Robin Williams’ Net Worth
At the time of his death on August 11, 2014, Robin Williams, the celebrated American actor and comedian, had a net worth of $50 million. This figure represents the culmination of a career that spanned stand-up comedy, television, and film, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. While $50 million is a substantial sum, it’s worth noting that his estate could have been significantly larger if not for considerable expenditures during his lifetime, including $30-40 million in divorce settlements and other lifestyle expenses.
Robin Williams’ Financial Landscape
Robin Williams’s financial planning included a unique clause aimed at safeguarding his legacy. For 25 years following his death, his estate plan restricted the exploitation of his right of publicity. This meant his heirs were prohibited from licensing or selling his name, voice, signature, or likeness. These rights were bequeathed to his charity, the Windfall Foundation. This foresight prevented potential exploitation of his image through emerging technologies like AI, which could have been used to recreate his iconic characters, such as the Genie in “Aladdin.” Such ventures could have generated substantial income for the charity, but will have to wait until 2039 to materialize.
Williams’s career trajectory began in the 1970s with stand-up comedy, quickly gaining momentum and leading to his breakthrough role as Mork in the television series “Mork & Mindy.” From 1978 to 1982, “Mork & Mindy” aired for four seasons, solidifying Williams’s place in popular culture. He earned $35,000 per episode of “Mork & Mindy” in the 1970s, which is equal to $130,000 today after adjusting for inflation.
His transition to film was marked by his debut in 1980’s “Popeye,” followed by a series of successful roles that collectively grossed $3.7 billion at the global box office. Adjusted for inflation, his films have generated over $6 billion worldwide. Among his top-performing films were: “Night at the Museum” ($579 million), “Aladdin” ($504 million), “Mrs. Doubtfire” ($441 million), “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” ($402 million), and “Happy Feet” ($385 million).
Williams’s impact on the entertainment industry from the early 1980s through the late 1990s was immense. He engaged in television shows, stand-up comedy specials, diverse film roles, award show hosting, charity events, and talk show appearances. His performances were generally well-received, earning him numerous nominations and awards, including an Oscar for “Good Will Hunting.”
Early Life and Education
Born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, Robin Williams hailed from a prominent family. His father, Robert, was a senior executive at Lincoln-Mercury Motors, overseeing the Midwest area, while his mother, Lauren, was a former model from New Orleans. Before high school, the family relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area.
He attended Redwood High School in Larkspur, California, followed by the College of Marin in Kentfield. He later enrolled at the prestigious Julliard School in New York City, where he met Christopher Reeve. Advised to focus on stand-up comedy, Williams began performing in New York’s comedy circuit.
Stand-Up Comedy Career
Williams began his stand-up career in the mid-1970s, characterized by rapid-fire jokes, diverse voices, and improvisational ability. His live comedy album, “A Night at the Met” (1986), won a Grammy. He continued to perform stand-up throughout his career.
Film Career
His first major film role was in Robert Altman’s “Popeye” (1980). His role in “Good Morning, Vietnam” (1987) earned him an Academy Award nomination. In 1989, he starred in “Dead Poets Society.” His versatility was showcased in films like “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993), and “Good Will Hunting” (1997), earning him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Other notable films include “Hook” (1991), “Jumanji” (1995), “The Birdcage” (1996), and “Patch Adams” (1998). In 2013, he returned to television with “The Crazy Ones.”
The “Aladdin” Salary Controversy
After working with Disney on 1987’s “Good Morning, Vietnam,” Robin agreed to voice the Genie in “Aladdin” (1992) for $75,000, the Screen Actors Guild minimum, forgoing his usual $8 million fee. This decision was based on the condition that his character not be used to sell merchandise to children and that his image not take up more than 25% of the advertising artwork. Disney broke both promises, leading Williams to refuse to work with the studio for years. Dan Castellaneta took over the voice work in subsequent projects. Disney attempted to reconcile by gifting Williams a $1 million Picasso. He eventually returned, replacing Castellaneta’s voice work in “Aladdin and the King of Thieves” and starring in “Jack” (1996).
Film Salaries
The highest single paycheck Robin Williams ever earned came from the 1999 Disney movie “Bicentennial Man,” amounting to $20 million. Other notable film salaries included:
- RV – $1,000,000
- Man of the Year – $1,000,000
- Insomnia – $2,000,000
- Death to Smoochy – $2,000,000
- Night at the Museum – $5,000,000
- Patch Adams – $10,000,000
- Flubber – $10,000,000
- Jack – $15,000,000
- Jumanji – $15,000,000
- Bicentennial Man – $20,000,000
Personal Life and Real Estate
Robin Williams was married three times, first to Valerie Velardi (1978-1988), then to Marsha Garces (1989-2010), and finally to Susan Schneider (2011-2014). He reportedly paid his first two wives over $30 million in divorce settlements. Tragically, he died on August 11, 2014, at his home in Tiburon, California, at the age of 63.
In the early 2000s, Williams built a mansion on 640 acres in Napa Valley, named Villa Sorriso, featuring a vineyard, solar farm, and lake. The 20,000-square-foot house included five bedrooms, six full and six half bathrooms, living rooms, a wine cellar, a movie theater, art storage, and a kitchen. The estate also had a spa, an infinity pool, and a three-bedroom manager’s home. Listed for $35 million in 2012, it was sold for $18.1 million in January 2016.
In 1991, Robin and Marsha purchased a 10,600-square-foot mansion in San Francisco’s Sea Cliff neighborhood for $3.2 million, renovating it to include a movie theater, hidden bar, and secret tunnel. Marsha received this home in their 2010 divorce. She listed it for sale in October 2023 for $25 million.
At the time of his death, Williams lived in a 6,500-square-foot home in Paradise Cay, Tiburon, California, bought in 2008 for $4.05 million. The house featured views of the San Francisco Bay. His widow sold it for $5.35 million in November 2020, after listing it for $7.25 million a year earlier.
