Award
Robin Williams' Son Remembers His Dad's Kindness to Strangers
2024-12-08
Zak Williams is deeply committed to remembering his father Robin Williams' remarkable spirit. Robin's love for helping those in need, whether it was strangers on the street or through his various philanthropic endeavors, left an indelible mark.
Robin Williams - A Beacon of Kindness and Compassion
Compassion in Everyday Life
When Zak was a child growing up in San Francisco, he witnessed his father's extraordinary act of stopping to talk to a homeless person. Robin would ask, "Hey boss, what can I do for you?" and then ensure they received meals, food, and money. This simple act of kindness opened Zak's eyes to the true meaning of compassion. It showed that even in the midst of a busy life, one can make a significant difference in someone else's day.It wasn't just a one-time occurrence; it was a regular part of Robin's life. His display of empathy inspired those around him and set an example for his children. Zak recalls these moments with a sense of awe and gratitude, knowing that his father's actions had a profound impact on him.Carrying on the Legacy
Since Robin's passing in 2014, Zak, along with his siblings Zelda and Cody, has made it their mission to continue his legacy of philanthropy. Robin believed deeply in improving the human condition, and this extended beyond making people laugh. He actively supported organizations like the Challenged Athletes Foundation, the [Christopher & Dana Reeve] Foundation, and St. Jude's.The siblings take pride in carrying out this "extremely important" work. They see it as a natural way to honor their father and bring healing and resilience to others, especially young people. As a family, they understand the significance of his work and are dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.Tributes on Social Media
Zak, who is the chairman of Glenn Close's nonprofit Bring Change to Mind, continues to pay tribute to his father on social media. In August, he shared a smiling photo of Robin from his Mork & Mindy days to mark the 10th anniversary of his death. In the caption, he wrote, "Dad, it's hard to believe it's been 10 years. Today, I'm reflecting on the immense love you shared with all of us - your family, your friends and everyone you met."This act of sharing a personal memory shows the depth of Zak's connection to his father and his desire to keep his spirit alive. It also serves as a reminder to others of the impact Robin had on people's lives.On Robin's 73rd birthday on July 21, Zak again took to X (formerly Twitter) to reflect on how his dad touched so many lives. He wrote, "I remember you for all the hope and joy you brought to the world. There's not a week that goes by without someone sharing with me how you helped them through a dark time or a rough patch. I'm so grateful to be your son. Love you forever."These tributes are a testament to the lasting influence Robin Williams had and the love that his family holds for him. They serve as a reminder that kindness and philanthropy can have a profound and lasting impact on the world.