Robin Williams' Son, Zak Williams, Reflects on Seeing His Dad Help Strangers on the Street: 'What Kindness Was All About' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Zac Williams and Robin Williams.Photo:Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty; Dave Hogan/Getty

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty; Dave Hogan/Getty

Zak Williamsis remembering his fatherRobin Williams’kind and caring spirit.

While speaking exclusively with PEOPLE at the 12th Annual Bring Change to Mind Revels & Revelations gala, the late actor and comedian’s elder son opened up about Robin’s love of helping people in need, including strangers he encountered on the street.

“When I was a little kid and we’d be walking in San Francisco where I grew up, he would stop, talk to someone on the street — a homeless person — say, ‘Hey boss, what can I do for you?’ " he recalls. “And we’d see him get meals, food, money.”

Zak, 41, says his father’s display of compassion was moving and inspiring. “He cared deeply about people in need, and I think for me, he opened my eyes to really what kindness was all about,” he explained.

SinceRobin’s deathat age 63 in 2014, Zak — along with his siblingsZelda, 35, and Cody, 33 — have made it their mission to carry on their dad’s legacy of philanthropy. “It was deeply important to him to help improve the human condition, and that extends beyond helping people laugh and learn about themselves,” he tells PEOPLE.

Zak Williams (left) and father Robin Williams in 2012.Kevin Mazur/WireImage

The siblings are proud to carry on the “extremely important” work that meant so much to theGood Will Huntingstar.

“We see it as a natural extension of what he would want, which is helping bring healing and helping develop resilience for folks, especially young people. He loved kids,” Zak tells PEOPLE. “And as a family, we feel it’s a natural way to honor his legacy.”

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From left: Olivia Williams, Zak Williams, Marsha Garces Williams and Zelda Williams attend the Bring Change to Mind’s 12th Annual Reveals and Revelations event on Oct. 11, 2024.Drew Altizer Photography/Shutterstock

Drew Altizer Photography/Shutterstock

Zak — who is chairman ofGlenn Close’snonprofit Bring Change to Mind, which works to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness — also continues to honor Robin with touching tributes on social media. Back in August, he shared a smiling photo onInstagramof the actor from hisMork & Mindydays to markthe 10th anniversary of his death.“Dad, it’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years,” Zak wrote in the post’s caption. “Today, I’m reflecting on the immense love you shared with all of us — your family, your friends and everyone you met.“He continued, “You continue to inspire me every single day to do whatever I can to help create a more connected and loving world for our family. Love you forever. ❤️.”

On what would have been Robin’s 73rd birthday on July 21, Zak shared a post onX(formerly Twitter) reflecting on how his dad touched so many people’s lives.

source: people.com