Additional Coverage:
Before Robin Williams became a household name known for his brilliant comedic talent, he was honing his craft in an unexpected way-as a mime. Long before starring in beloved films like Mrs. Doubtfire, Good Will Hunting, and Dead Poets Society, Williams explored the art of silent performance, a chapter that helped shape his distinctive physical comedy style.
This lesser-known phase of his career came to light years later when photographer Daniel Sorine uncovered images he had taken in 1974 of two mimes performing in New York City’s Central Park. Upon reviewing the photos, Sorine was surprised to discover that one of the performers was none other than Robin Williams.
Sorine recalled, “What attracted me to Robin Williams and his fellow mime, Todd Oppenheimer, was an unusual amount of intensity, personality, and physical fluidity. When I approached them with my Pentax Spotmatic, they allowed me to invite them into my camera instead of me having to chase after them.”
These images offer a glimpse into the physical expressiveness that would become a hallmark of Williams’ performances. Whether improvising on stage or embodying unforgettable characters on screen, he possessed a rare ability to captivate audiences beyond words alone.
Williams, who passed away in 2014 at age 63, would have celebrated his 75th birthday this year. His death was a tragic loss, attributed to suicide amid struggles with depression and health issues, including Lewy body dementia discovered during his autopsy. He is survived by his wife, Susan Schneider Williams, and their three children, Zak, Zelda, and Cody.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available 24/7 through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988.