Late Comedian’s Son Posts Emotional Tribute on His Birthday

On July 21, Robin Williams would have turned 74 years old. The actor and comedian died at just 65, when he took his own life. The “Good Will Hunting” star struggled with a misdiagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. It was only after he died that doctors determined he had Lewy body dementia. The brain disorder affects brain function, and is the second most common progressive dementia, with Alzheimer’s being the first.

Williams was open about his mental health challenges, and he dealt with depression and anxiety for much of his life. That, along with the confusion, forgetfulness, and difficulties that came with his dementia, most likely contributed to his death.

When he died, he left behind his wife, Susan Schneider, and his kids, Cory, Zelda, and Zak. Zak took to Instagram to post a poignant message about his dad and how he chooses to honor him.

Zak Laments Difficult Two-Month Period: ‘Every Year’

“Today would have been my dad’s 74th birthday,” Zak began.

“Every year, this season arrives with gravity. In just sixty days, we pass through Father’s Day, his birthday, and the anniversary of his death. It’s a tender and complicated stretch of time. One that asks a lot of the heart.”

“For me, grief isn’t linear. It loops and echoes. It softens, then crescendos. But alongside it lives a legacy, the kind built not from fame or recognition, but from generosity and relentless kindness.”

“My father lived to make people feel seen. He gave permission to feel deeply and to laugh through the pain. In his absence, that mission continues.”

“So today, I hold close the idea that the best way to honor those we love is to live the values they stood for,” he continued. “To lead with service and compassion. To lift others when they’re down. And to find paths of light, even in the dark corners.”

“To anyone carrying loss right now: you’re not alone. You are part of a passage of love and connection that never really ends.”

“Happy birthday, Dad. Love you forever,” he added.

His Kids Each React Differently to the Public’s Adoration of Their Dad

Previously, Zak posted a message on Father’s Day, thanking Robin “for the masterclass in manliness and mischief.”

Zak, Cody, and Zelda Williams all react differently to the public’s affection for Robin. While Zak often posts remembrances of Robin on social media, Cody doesn’t appear to be active on social media, and Zelda usually avoids posting about their dad. While Zak wants to reach out to all those whom Robin has touched, Zelda feels more comfortable grieving on her own or with those closest to her.

“Tomorrow is Dad’s death anniversary,” she posted on Instagram in 2024. “As always, I will not be here. It’s hard for me on regular, good days to remain the person expected to graciously accept the world’s need to share their memories of him and express their condolences for his loss.”

She went on to explain that, while she’s “touched” by all the love people have for her father, it’s more critical for her to sit with her memories of her father, rather than getting weighed down by everyone else’s.