“He Was Not the Same Guy at Home,” Robin Williams’ Widow Reflects on Their Tight Bond

With his outstanding performances in Mrs. Doubtfire and Hook, Robin Williams became a beloved figure among both children and adults. But Williams was more than just a great actor; he was also a wonderful person and a great husband to his wife. When he passed, the world was shocked, as was his wife, Susan Schneider. Today, we shall remember all the stages of their beautiful romance, cherishing the force of a love that will endure beyond the borders of Williams’ demise.

As they crossed paths, they instantly connected.

Robin Williams had already been married twice before meeting Susan Schneider, with one child from the first and 2 from the second. Even though he had 2 unsuccessful marriages, this didn’t stop him from pursuing true love once again. And that happened in 2007 when Schneider stopped at a local Apple Store and met a guy who would eventually become her husband and loving companion.

“I walked in and saw this man and thought, ‘I think that’s Robin Williams.’ Then on my way out, I looked at him again, and he was smiling at me, and something inside me said, ‘Oh, just go over and say hi.’” She continued, “He was wearing camouflage, so I said, ‘How’s that camo working out for you?’ And he said, ‘Not too good, you found me.’”

Their marriage and first difficulties

Schneider and Williams got married 4 years following their first encounter. The actor’s third (and last) wedding took place on October 22, 2011, and shortly after, they moved to Marin County along with Schneider’s kids. Although the initial stages of marriage were filled with love and happiness, the first challenges emerged in the years after their wedding.

As Williams started displaying strange symptoms, serious therapy was required. Schneider cared for her husband, never letting him go and standing by his side during every step of the journey. However, the discomfort was just the start of a long list of symptoms that, at first glance, seemed unconnected but ultimately proved to be indicators of a growing brain disorder for Williams.

“It was very out of character for Robin to be so paranoid. And that was the start of this 10-month drumbeat of increasing symptoms,” Schneider said, describing her late husband’s condition.

With his wife, Williams was more than just the “funny guy.”

Schneider has often remarked on what it was like to be married to a guy who, through his comedy, had touched the souls of millions of people. She clarified that he was just a regular guy at home, but she also talked about all the activities they did together that gave them time to bond.

Their life together was not monotonous, and as Schneider remarks, “Robin and I loved to go to museums together. He was a big history buff so he would bring the history, and I would bring the art side, and we would double our fun.” She explained, “People assume that the guy he was on stage was the guy he was at home, and let me make it clear: I would never marry somebody like that.”

“This was a man who was incredibly rich and deep and versed in so much about humanity and culture, and his humor was like this secret weapon,” explained Schneider, praising her cherished husband. “There were so many times when he would see someone needed a lift, and then he would just inject a little bit of humor in just the right way to make a difference.”

Schneider will always treasure the memories of her greatest love.

As the news of Williams’ passing in 2014 broke, the entire world burst into grief. Everyone adored and admired him, not just for his acting skills but also for his gentle spirit. Schneider expressed her sorrow over her husband’s demise that morning, stating, “This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings.”

Schneider was heartbroken when he passed away, and had to deal with her grief and the public conjecture around it. Yet she proved her strength and devotion to her husband on several occasions, wishing to honor his memory and raise awareness of his mental illness.

Schneider recalled having a discussion with Williams, explaining, “We had been discussing what we wanted our legacies to be in life, and without missing a beat, Robin said, ‘I want to help people be less afraid.’”

Schneider was the person who stuck by his side during every difficult moment of Williams’ life, unconditionally adoring him. Even now, 9 years after his passing, she senses his existence everywhere. “...Robin still shows up when I need him. But when he’s not there, I think of my friend, my love, and I miss him.”

This kind of love doesn’t necessarily end but grows more powerful over time. Williams had significantly impacted Schneider’s life, and as she put it, “He was the greatest love I’ve ever known.”