Net Worth Of Robin Williams 2024
Robin Williams was an American actor and comedian who had an incredibly successful career spanning over four decades in the entertainment industry. He was beloved by fans all over the world for his unique comedic talents andhis dramatic acting abilities. Williams built an immense net worth over the course of his prolific career before his untimely passing in 2014.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into determining Robin Williams’ net worth at the height of his career and at the time of his death. We will analyze how he built his wealth through acting, comedy, and other business ventures. Additionally, we will look at his assets, charitable donations, and how his estate was handled after his death.
What was Robin Williams’ Net Worth at the Peak of His Career?
Robin Williams first rose to fame in the late 1970s as an eccentric stand-up comedian who eventually landed a starring role on the TV show Mork & Mindy. His comedy albums were very popular, and he did sold-out live shows. By the late 1980s, Williams started transitioning into feature films, showing off his versatility as both a comedic and dramatic actor.
Some of his most financially successful films included:
- Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) – $441.3 million box office gross
- Aladdin (1992) – $504.1 million box office gross
- Good Will Hunting (1997) – $225.9 million box office gross
- Night at the Museum (2006) – $574.5 million box office gross
At the absolute peak of his movie career in the 1990s, Robin Williams’ net worth was estimated to be around $100 million. He was able to command very high salaries during that time period, reportedly earning $20 million for Disney’s Flubber in 1997. Williams also owned multiple luxury homes in California and Idaho worth tens of millions combined.
What were Robin Williams’ main sources of income?
Robin Williams had several major sources of income at the height of his career:
- Film salaries – Williams made tens of millions per movie during the 1990s. His high paychecks were thanks to being an established star with box office draw.
- Comedy tours – Williams continued doing comedy tours periodically, including a 2002 stand-up tour called Robin Williams Live on Broadway. The tour grossed over $10 million.
- Movie royalties – Big hits like Mrs. Doubtfire and Aladdin made Williams Residual income for years through royalties and home video sales.
- TV appearances – Williams occasionally acted and did voiceover work for television shows, which added to his income.
- Real estate investments – Williams owned multiple impressive homes in California and Idaho, which appreciated greatly in value over the decades.
At his peak, Williams’ combination of high-paying movies, comedy, and real estate investments put his net worth close to nine figures. He lived a lavish lifestyle with multiple homes and indulged his passion as a collector of watches and bicycles.
What was Robin Williams’ Net Worth at the Time of His Death?
In 2014, beloved actor and comedian Robin Williams tragically died by suicide at the age of 63 while suffering from lewy body dementia.
At the time of his death, Robin Williams still had a sizable estate and fortune:
Net worth: Estimated between $50-$100 million
Real estate: $35 million in properties including a 6500 sq ft California home.
Film royalties: Continued earning residuals from hit movies.
Personal belongings: Millions worth of watches, bikes, collectibles.
Trust funds: Set up trusts for his 3 children.
Although he had supposedly been having some financial issues in his final years due to two expensive divorces, Robin still left behind substantial assets and wealth at the time of his passing.
The exact total net worth amount varies in estimates, but reasonable valuations put it between $50-$100 million when he died. The actor still owned several lavish homes in California and Idaho worth tens of millions combined. And he continued to collect residuals from his most popular films like Aladdin, Mrs. Doubtfire and Good Will Hunting even after his death.
Additionally, Williams left behind valuable personal belongings including an extensive collection of watches worth millions, as well as numerous bicycles and rare collectibles. Most importantly, he set up trust funds for his three children that gave them access to their inheritance over time.
While the sum total may have declined from his 1990s peak, Robin Williams remained in the upper echelon of wealth until his untimely death. The comedian and actor also left behind an incredible legacy of films and comedy that endure to this day.
How Has Robin Williams’ Net Worth Changed Since His Death?
When Robin Williams sadly passed away in 2014, the question of what would happen to the immense fortune and assets he spent decades accruing came into focus.
In the years since his death, Robin Williams’ net worth and how it is being handled can be summarized as:
- The estate was valued at around $50-$100 million after debts.
- The majority of cash and assets went into trusts for his children.
- New projects like documentaries and film re-releases have added income.
- Estate pays ongoing taxes, fees, and upkeep of properties.
- Homes and possessions were sold off over time.
- Total current net worth has likely depreciated from 2014 levels.
After being used to settle debts and taxes, the cash and assets Robin left behind were placed in trusts set up for his three kids Zachary, Zelda, and Cody. These trusts dole out money over time rather than all at once.
Ongoing income from new projects like documentaries and re-released films add to the estate’s bottom line as well. Costs like taxes, fees, and maintenance on Robin’s several homes continue to accrue.
The homes and Robin’s collections of watches, bikes, and other possessions have largely been liquidated over the years. This helped pay expenses and provide inheritance money upfront to the children.
Overall, estimates put Robin Williams’ current net worth at less than the $50-$100 million valuation at the time of his death due to costs and liquidations for inheritance. But the actor still left behind substantial wealth along with an unparalleled creative legacy.
What Major Assets Did Robin Williams Own?
During the height of his career, Robin Williams accumulated an impressive collection of lavish real estate and luxury possessions:
California Homes
- 650-acre ranch in Napa Valley worth $35 million
- 6,500 square-foot Tuscan-style estate in Tiburon overlooking San Francisco Bay
Idaho Retreat
- 640-acre ranch called “Villa of Smiles” in Napa, ID worth around $5.9 million
Extensive Watch Collection
- Valued at over $4 million total
- Included high-end Rolexes, Patek Philippes, and more
Large Bike Collection
- Avid cyclist owned hundreds of bicycles
- Collection was valued in the millions
Paintings and Collectibles
- Art collection included valuable paintings by artists like Banksy
- Also collected rare coins, stamps, and vintage toys
At one point, Williams owned over 50 extremely valuable vehicles including motorcycles, cars, SUVs, and more. He also had a jet airplane that allowed him to easily travel to his multiple homes.
The real estate, watches, bikes, art, and other possessions accumulated over his career put Robin Williams’ total assets into the hundreds of millions at his wealthiest point. He was able to live a very comfortable lifestyle between his homes filled with luxuries across California and Idaho.
How Much Wealth Did Robin Williams Pass on To His Children?
When Robin Williams died in 2014, he left behind 3 adult children that he wanted to provide for:
- Zachary Williams – Robin’s oldest son with first wife Valerie Velardi
- Zelda Williams – His daughter with second wife Marsha Garces
- Cody Williams – youngest son with Marsha Garces
Williams made sure to set up trust funds for each of his kids so they would be taken care of financially. The bulk of his estate went into these trust funds.
Each child received:
- A house – Zach got the Napa ranch; Zelda and Cody got different LA houses
- 25% share of cash and other assets
- Equal share of Robin’s residual income
Total inherited
- Estimates range from $10 to $20 million per child
On top of the millions in the trust funds, each child received one of Robin’s homes. The Napa, California ranch went to Zachary while Zelda and Cody each got luxury homes in Los Angeles.
The remaining cash and assets were split with each getting around a 25% share. Ongoing income from Robin’s movies and other work is also distributed equally to each kid.
While the exact dollar amounts vary in estimates, it is clear Robin Williams left around $10 to $20 million for each of his children through the trust funds and home inheritances. This was his way of looking after them financially long after his death.
What Charities Did Robin Williams Support?
In addition to providing for his family, Robin Williams was also a dedicated philanthropist who gave both his time and money to support causes he cared deeply about. Some of the main charities Williams supported include:
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation – Williams was close friends with actor Christopher Reeve and raised over $200k for the Reeve Foundation after Reeve’s paralysis. The nonprofit funds spinal cord injuries.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Served as a chairperson for their “We Are The Children” campaign and hosted events to raise money for the pediatric medical center.
USO Tours – Performed standup comedy routines for U.S. troops around the globe through the USO (United Services Organization) starting in the 1980s through the 2000s.
Homeless Shelters – Made large donations to numerous local homeless shelters in San Francisco and Los Angeles where he lived.
Environmental Causes – Supported several groups involved in environmental protection, conservation, and fighting climate change.
Education Funds – Established scholarship funds for Juilliard performing arts students, and for those attending a Bay Area private school he graduated from.
In addition to donating money, Robin Williams also gave his time generously by visiting sick children in hospitals, performing for soldiers, and supporting friends’ causes. His philanthropic spirit left a strong positive impact.
What Were Some Interesting Facts About Robin Williams’ Wealth?
- Got his first taste of wealth from the TV series Mork & Mindy. By 1981 his net worth was $3 million.
- Earned around $35 million total for 1993’s Mrs. Doubtfire which reinvigorated his film career.
- Negotiated a deal for $20 million upfront and 15% of gross for Disney’s Flubber in 1997.
- His $30 million per film paychecks eventually declined to $5 million by early 2000s.
- Divorces from first and second wives cost him around $30 million combined.
- Ended up selling off many luxury cars and watches later in life because of declining income.
- His bicycle collection was said to be worth over $500,000 with hundreds of rare bikes.
- Appointed his children as the main inheritors while leaving a few close friends $100k each.
- At one point, Williams employed an archivist just to catalog his extensive watch collection.
- Reportedly took out a $30 million mortgage on Napa ranch just a year before his death.
Robin Williams earned and lost huge sums during his long career. But he always found a way to recover and rebuild his wealth with his endless creativity and humor.
What Lessons Can Be Learned From Robin Williams’ Net Worth and Wealth?
By looking at Robin Williams’ extraordinary career journey and financial ups and downs, there are some important lessons that can be gleaned:
Diversify your income streams – Williams earned big through stand-up comedy, TV, movies, real estate and more. Having multiple revenue sources provides stability.
Reinvention is possible – When his movie career faltered in the early 2000s, he successfully reinvented himself and rebounded.
Be generous while living – Robin was known for his generosity, charity work and tipping well. Don’t wait until it’s too late to do good.
Have a long-term financial plan – Robin’s freewheeling spending at times later caused money issues. Creating a long view prevents problems.
Prepare an estate plan – Williams thoughtfully set up trusts for his kids, saving them complications with inheritance.
Pursue meaningful work – Much of Williams’ work brought joy and comedy to millions. Find purposeful work you enjoy.
Robin Williams left behind an enormous cultural legacy as well as wealth for his family. Examining how he earned, spent, and passed on his fortune offers invaluable lessons in financial responsibility, generosity, and living life to the fullest.
Conclusion
Robin Williams was an unparalleled entertainer who brought laughter and joy to the lives of countless people around the world. His immense talents as a comedian and actor enabled him to build an 8-figure fortune over his 40+ year career in show business through standup comedy, television series, and hit Hollywood films.
Williams accumulated an astounding collection of luxury real estate, watches, bicycles and other valuables during his peak earning years in the 1980s and 90s when he was one of the highest paid stars in the business. Though his net worth declined in later years due to extravagant spending, divorces, and career slowdowns, Robin Williams still left behind an estate worth an estimated $50-$100 million.
The bulk of his fortune ultimately went to his three children in the form of trust funds, real estate inheritances, and proceeds from his name and likeness. Robin Williams also gave generously to a wide array of charitable causes he cared deeply about during his lifetime.
Examining the career and the financial legacy Robin Williams left behind offers many valuable lessons on managing wealth, giving back, and living life to the absolute fullest. His incredible talents and hilarious spirit continue to endure and inspire others even years after his passing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Robin Williams’ highest net worth?
Estimates put Robin Williams’ net worth at its highest between $100-$150 million in the late 1990s at the peak of his movie career. He was able to command $20 million salaries during this time.
How much did Robin Williams get paid for voicing Genie in Aladdin?
While it was once rumored his paycheck for voicing Genie was as high as $25 million, it has since been revealed his initial salary was around $75,000. He did ultimately earn several million from residuals and royalties.
Did Robin Williams lose all his money?
Robin Williams never completely lost all of his wealth, though he did have periods of financial difficulty. In his final years his net worth declined somewhat due to two expensive divorces, declining movie salaries, and an allegedly reckless financial adviser.
Why did Robin Williams go back to TV later in his career?
After nearly two decades focused on films, Robin Williams returned to TV comedy in the early 2000s for series like The Crazy Ones. The regular TV paycheck offered stability after his pay declined for movies and standup.
How much money did Robin Williams leave to charity?
There are no public details on exactly how much Robin left to charity in his will. However, he was a dedicated philanthropist during his life, giving generously to causes like St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and environmental organizations.
Conclusion
Robin Williams was an unparalleled entertainer who brought laughter and joy to the lives of countless people around the world. His immense talents as a comedian and actor enabled him to build an 8-figure fortune over his 40+ year career in show business through standup comedy, television series, and hit Hollywood films.
Williams accumulated an astounding collection of luxury real estate, watches, bicycles and other valuables during his peak earning years in the 1980s and 90s when he was one of the highest paid stars in the business. Though his net worth declined in later years due to extravagant spending, divorces, and career slowdowns, Robin Williams still left behind an estate worth an estimated $50-$100 million.
The bulk of his fortune ultimately went to his three children in the form of trust funds, real estate inheritances, and proceeds from his name and likeness. Robin Williams also gave generously to a wide array of charitable causes he cared deeply about during his lifetime.
Examining the career and the financial legacy Robin Williams left behind offers many valuable lessons on managing wealth, giving back, and living life to the absolute fullest. His incredible talents and hilarious spirit continue to endure and inspire others even years after his passing.