Williams shot to fame in the late `70s as the alien in TV's "Mork and Mindy." He conquered the big screen in comic films such as "Good Morning, Vietnam" and "Mrs. Doubtfire."
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He won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for "Good Will Hunting" in 1997.
Williams first became a household name in 1978 as Mork, the alien, in the hit ABC show "Mork and Mindy." (AP)
This 1987 photo released shows Robin Williams in character as disc-jockey Adrian Cronauer in director Barry Levinsons comedy drama, "Good Morning Vietnam." (Touchstone Pictures)
Robin Williams (C), Matt Damon (L) and Ben Affleck proudly hold their Oscars for their work on the film "Good Will Hunting" at the 70th Annual Academy Awards March 23, 1998 in Los Angeles. Damon and Affleck won for best screenplay written directly for the screen and Williams won for best supporting actor. (Reuters)
Williams had a successful career as a stand-up comedian.
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The actor struggled with addiction and had several stints in rehab. (AP)
Williams wore a prop from his film 1998 film "Patch Adams" as he placed his handprints in cement during ceremonies to honor him at Mann's Chinese Theatre, in Hollywood. He portrayed an outrageous medical student who risked his career with his belief that laughter is contagious. (Reuters)
Williams performed for U.S. soldiers in Baghdad International Airport, Iraq in 2003. (AP)
Williams posed with his daughter Zelda Williams during the premiere of their film "House of D" in 2005. The actor was married three times and had three children. (Reuters)
Most recently, Williams appeared in the CBS comedy series "The Crazy Ones." (Reuters)
Comedian Robin Williams presents an award during the 82nd Academy Awards in Hollywood March 7, 2010. (Reuters)
This Nov. 8, 2012 file photo shows Robin Williams performing at the 6th Annual Stand Up For Heroes benefit concert for injured service members and veterans in New York. (AP)
Williams' wife Susan Schneider (L) said in a statement she is devastated and asked for privacy. This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings," she said. "I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf of Robin's family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions." (AP)
Robin Williams as Simon Roberts, Sarah Michelle Gellar as Sydney Roberts, James Wolk as Zach Cropper and Hamish Linklater as Andrew Keaneally, in a scene from "The Crazy Ones." (CBS)
In one of Williams' more recent films, the actor portrayed President Dwight Eisenhower, left, and alongside Forest Whitaker as Cecil Gaines in a scene from Lee Daniels' "The Butler" in 2013. (AP)
Williams' reprised his role as Teddy Roosevelt (R) a scene with Larry Daley, portrayed by Ben Stiller in the upcoming film "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian." (AP/Twentieth Century Fox)