ROBIN WILLIAMS: A Biography of Robin Williams
Anyone who has had more than a passing interest in comedy or acting has, at one point or another, been blown away by the genius of Robin Williams. It feels strange to call what he did "genius", but this biography would be very far from the first. The truth is, anyone that worked with him came away with the same feeling-"this guy is different." And so, he was. His life was a charmed one, starting as a standup entertainer on the mean streets of San Francisco in the 70's, to becoming one of the world's premier actors and starring in award-winning films.
Even the way in which he got his big break was atypical, taking a bit role in a failing TV show and creating a brand and a future for himself nearly overnight. But, the root of all his genius and fame is his standup career. Williams was a master of the stage and had crowds reeling in delight for decades after he started. His frenetically paced monologues were completely unique and thoroughly entertaining.
Williams could switch from character to character with startling ease and always seemed to be one step ahead of the audience's expectations. Still, it is completely impossible to copy him. This biography charts his life story.