Zak Williams marked what would have been his father Robin Williams’ 75th birthday with a tribute celebrating the late actor’s humor, compassion and “extraordinary capacity to love.”
Zak shared the message on Instagram on July 21 alongside a photograph of Robin dressed as Mork, the eccentric alien character who turned him into a television star on Mork & Mindy.
Robin died in August 2014 at age 63. Zak, along with his siblings Zelda and Cody, has continued remembering him publicly on birthdays and anniversaries while supporting causes connected to mental health and service.
Zak Remembered His Father’s ‘Weirdness’ and Compassion
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“Happy 75th Dad!” Zak began. “Today I’m remembering your weirdness and your extraordinary capacity to love.” One of his most vivid memories involved the lines around Robin’s eyes. Zak described them as “the kind you get from a lifetime of smiling,” connecting the small physical detail to the joy his father brought to the people around him.
He also remembered Robin’s desire to see the world free from suffering affecting both people and animals. “For those out there who’d like to celebrate with me, go do something kind for someone,” Zak wrote. “Make someone laugh. Put a little more good into the world.”
He ended the tribute with a direct message to his father: “Love you forever.”
The Photo Showed Robin Williams as Mork
Zak accompanied the message with a photograph of Robin wearing the colorful costume associated with Mork from Ork. The character first appeared on Happy Days before receiving the spinoff Mork & Mindy, which premiered in 1978 and ran for four seasons.
The sitcom introduced a national audience to Robin’s rapid improvisation, physical comedy and unpredictable delivery. His performance as the alien sent to Earth to study human behavior became his breakthrough role and established the comic energy he later brought to stand-up, television and movies.
Zak Has Honored His Father Through Mental Health Advocacy
Robin died by suicide on Aug. 11, 2014. He had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease before his death, but an autopsy later found that he had Lewy body dementia, a neurological disease that can affect thinking, movement, behavior and mood.
Zak has spoken about the grief and depression he experienced after losing his father. He has described self-care, service and work supporting mental health organizations as important parts of his healing.