Robin Williams' son honors him on his 74th birthday with poignant message about grief and legacy

Robin Williams' son honors him on his 74th birthday with poignant message about grief and legacy

Robin Williams’ son Zak Williams has marked what would have been his father’s 74th birthday with a deeply felt message reflecting on his enduring spirit and the legacy of compassion he left behind.

In a July 21 post shared on Instagram, the 42-year-old shared a homage to the legendary comedian and actor, who died in 2014 at the age of 63. The tribute is accompanied by an image of the late actor captured from the 1987 film “Good Morning, Vietnam.”

“Today would have been my dad’s 74th birthday,” the post begins. “Every year, this season arrives with gravity. In just sixty days, we pass through Father’s Day, his birthday, and the anniversary of his death.”

Describing this period as a “tender and complicated stretch of time,” Zak Williams discussed his process of coping with his father’s absence, despite his father being a prevailing presence in the cultural sphere.

“For me, grief isn’t linear. It loops and echoes,” the message continued. “It softens, then crescendos. But alongside it lives a legacy, the kind built not from fame or recognition, but from generosity and relentless kindness.

“My father lived to make people feel seen. He gave permission to feel deeply and to laugh through the pain. In his absence, that mission continues,” he added.

The post concluded with a call for others to carry themselves with empathy.

“So today, I hold close the idea that the best way to honor those we love is to live the values they stood for. To lead with service and compassion,” it read. “To lift others when they’re down. And to find paths of light, even in the dark corners. To anyone carrying loss right now: you’re not alone. You are part of a passage of love and connection that never really ends. Happy birthday, Dad. Love you forever.”

Comments from Zak Williams’ followers and fans of the late actor reflect how much Robin Williams’ spirit and voice continue to influence his fans and continuing generations.

“Beautifully written,” a user replied. “Your dad was a gift to the world! How lucky you are to have had him as your father, even if he wasn’t here for as long as we all would have liked.”

“Happy heavenly birthday Robin,” another wrote. “Each time your dad is in a movie, I’m watching my heart hurts. I only watched Mrs Doubtfire yesterday. I was really emotional as it finished. He’s that irreplaceable genius of my lifetime.”

“The world needs more people like your father and his life example,” replied one.

“Happy birthday to the funny bone of a generation,” wrote a fan.

“My 5 year old granddaughter just told me her favorite movie is Mrs. Doubt fire!” a user added. “He is still touching people’s hearts. Much love and respect to you and your family. My prayers for comfort are with you today.”

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:





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