Robin Williams

Children's Literature

Robin Williams has been called the funniest man alive. This biography presents the life of the famous comedian for young readers. A lonely youngster with two grown stepbrothers and older parents, Robin Williams grew up in a wealthy home. He began using comedy routines to connect with his mother. Practicing the routines of Jonathan Winters, Williams learned to create characters with funny voices. After attempting college and performing in San Francisco comedy clubs, he finally became famous through the 1970s television show, Mork and Mindy. He then set out to prove himself as an actor as well as comedian. A string of movies has kept America laughing from the 1980s to the present. The book profiles his career as well as his personal life struggles. Despite his success, Robin Williams remains very serious about his comedy, saying that, "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose that madness." Part of the "Real-Life Reader Biographies" series. 2001, Mitchell Lane Publishers, $15.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Julie Eick Granchelli