Robin

By Dave Itzkoff

'This well-written page-turner is the definitive biography of the genius of Robin Williams, whose life redefines the highs and lows of the American dream' - Steve Martin

'Tenderly written . . . frequently hilarious' - Sunday Times

From his rapid-fire stand-up comedy riffs to his breakout role in Mork & Mindy and his Academy Award-winning performance in Good Will Hunting, Robin Williams was a singularly innovative and beloved entertainer. He often came across as a man possessed, holding forth on culture and politics while mixing in personal revelations – all with mercurial, tongue-twisting intensity as he inhabited and shed one character after another with lightning speed.

But as Dave Itzkoff shows in this revelatory biography, Williams’s comic brilliance masked a deep well of conflicting emotions and self-doubt, which he drew upon in his comedy and in celebrated films like Dead Poets Society; Good Morning, Vietnam; The Fisher King; Aladdin; and Mrs Doubtfire, where he showcased his limitless gift for improvisation to bring to life a wide range of characters. And in Good Will Hunting he gave an intense and controlled performance that revealed the true range of his talent.

Robin by Dave Itzkoff shows how Williams struggled mightily with addiction and depression – topics he discussed openly while performing and during interviews – and with a debilitating condition at the end of his life that affected him in ways his fans never knew. Drawing on more than a hundred original interviews with family, friends and colleagues, as well as extensive archival research, Robin is a fresh and original look at a man whose work touched so many lives.

______________

'[Itzkoff] has written a book about the truth and the pain that lies in comedy, and the price paid by a sensitive soul' - Amy Poehler

'An amazing read' - Patton Oswalt

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pan Macmillan
• Release date: May 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9780283072338

Dave Itzkoff

Dave Itzkoff is the author of Mad as Hell, Cocaine’s Son, and Lads. He is a culture reporter at the New York Times, where he writes regularly about film, television, theater, music, and popular culture. He previously worked at Spin, Maxim, and Details, and his work has appeared in GQ, Vanity Fair, Wired, and other publications. He lives in New York City.

Reviews for Robin

[brangwinn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you read this book because of the hype, you won’t be disappointed. Although I skimmed through much of the film-making details, Williams’ life and loves is well-written. What is most stunning is what is learned abut William’s health in the post-mortem autopsy.

[lvstrongpuff · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have loved Robin Williams since Mork and Mindy. When critics didn't like his movies, I loved them. When my husband told me that Robin Williams had died I screamed. I told him he was a liar. I didn't believe it. I couldn't believe it. I cried. Robin Williams was a wonderful man and a genius comedian and actor. I was sad and angry that he was gone.
When I saw this book I knew I wanted to read it. This book is very well written. I listened to it on audio and the narrator did an amazing job. This is a wonderful look into Robin's life and work. It is a real look at what Robin's life was like and what he meant to people. It shows how Robin wasn't perfect, but he knew he wasn't. The saddest chapters were the end of his life. What he went through in his own mind towards the end of his life and how he tried to reach out in his own way, but couldn't is heart shattering. The signs were there that something was seriously wrong, but no one saw it. Those that possible did see him reaching out didn't know how to help. I cried again at the end of this book. I felt like the world had lost him all over again. I hope he knows that he was truly loved and is missed.

[castlelass · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Biography of Robin Williams, including his childhood, schooling, comedic performances, relationships, children, television shows, movies, substance abuse issues, recovery, and health issues. His suicide is covered in a respectful manner. Dave Itzkoff provides an in-depth profile. He includes many direct quotations from Robin’s friends and several family members.

The book seems candid, revealing Robin’s foibles as well as his gifts. It gives the reader a sense of the factors that may have contributed to his death. Robin is portrayed as a caring person with emotional insecurities and an agile mind. The book is well-organized and informative. I could have done without the discussion of the legal hassles regarding the settlement of his estate.

I listened to the audio book, brilliantly read by Fred Berman. Berman reads at a quick pace, and when quoting Robin, does a passable impression of his manic style. Recommended to those who are curious to learn more about the life of this unique and talented man.