Robin Williams’ Wife: His Marriages and Life With Susan Schneider

When people search for Robin Williams’ wife, they are often trying to understand both his love life and the woman who stood beside him during his final years. Robin Williams was married three times, and each marriage reflected a different stage of his life and career. While all three relationships mattered, much of today’s attention focuses on his last wife, Susan Schneider Williams, who later played an important role in explaining the illness that affected him before his death.

Who Was Robin Williams? A Brief Career Overview

Robin Williams was one of the most beloved entertainers of all time. He first captured attention as the fast-talking alien in Mork & Mindy and went on to build an extraordinary career that blended comedy, drama, and improvisation. Films like Mrs. Doubtfire, Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting, and Aladdin showed his rare ability to be both hilarious and deeply moving.

What set Williams apart was emotional openness. Even at his most comedic, there was vulnerability beneath the humor. That same emotional depth carried into his personal life, which is why fans remain interested in the people closest to him, especially his wives and family.

How Many Times Was Robin Williams Married?

Robin Williams was married three times. Each marriage took place during a distinct phase of his life:

• His early career years

• His period of peak fame and family life

• His later years, marked by serious health challenges

Understanding his marriages helps paint a fuller picture of who he was beyond the roles he played.

Robin Williams’ First Wife: Valerie Velardi

Robin Williams’ first wife was Valerie Velardi, an actress he married in 1978. This marriage began before Williams became a global star, during a time when he was still establishing himself in comedy and acting.

The couple had one son together, Zachary “Zak” Williams, born in 1983. Although Williams’ career accelerated rapidly during this period, family remained important to him. He often spoke about fatherhood with pride, even as he admitted he was learning how to balance work and home life.

Williams and Velardi divorced in 1988. The marriage coincided with intense professional growth, and like many relationships under such pressure, it eventually came to an end.

Robin Williams’ Second Wife: Marsha Garces

Robin Williams married his second wife, Marsha Garces Williams, in 1989. Garces was a producer and philanthropist, and their marriage lasted more than two decades, with the divorce finalized in 2010.

Together, they had two children: Zelda and Cody. This period of Williams’ life was marked by both major professional success and personal struggles. He continued to make iconic films while also confronting the challenges that come with fame, aging, and self-reflection.

Williams often spoke about how much he valued being a father, and those close to him have described family as one of his greatest sources of joy. His long marriage to Marsha reflected his desire for stability, even as his life remained complex.

Who Was Robin Williams’ Wife at the Time of His Death?

At the time of his death in August 2014, Robin Williams was married to Susan Schneider Williams. The two married in 2011, choosing a relatively private ceremony in California.

Compared to his earlier marriages, this relationship unfolded mostly out of the public eye. Williams was older, less focused on celebrity spectacle, and more interested in quiet companionship. Susan Schneider, a graphic designer and artist, became his partner during a period when he was seeking calm and grounding.

Robin Williams and Susan Schneider’s Marriage

Robin Williams and Susan Schneider shared only a few years of marriage, but those years were deeply significant. During this time, Williams began experiencing severe and confusing health symptoms that were difficult to diagnose.

Susan has described their marriage as loving but increasingly challenging as his condition worsened. The symptoms affected his mood, cognition, and sense of self, placing enormous strain on both of them. Despite this, she remained closely involved in his care and understanding of what he was going through.

Susan Schneider’s Role After Robin Williams’ Death

After Robin Williams’ death, Susan Schneider Williams became an important public voice in clarifying what had happened medically. Although early narratives focused primarily on depression, later findings revealed that Williams had been suffering from Lewy body dementia, a complex and aggressive neurological disease.

Susan worked to raise awareness about this condition, explaining that it can cause hallucinations, confusion, movement issues, and severe emotional distress. By speaking publicly, she helped shift the conversation from speculation to understanding, offering families dealing with similar illnesses a sense of validation.

She has also supported brain research and advocacy organizations, using her platform to promote better diagnosis and care for neurological disorders.