Billy Crystal’s Emotional Tribute to Robin Williams 11 Years After His Death originally appeared on Parade.
While the world lost Robin Williams 11 years ago, his legacy hasn’t dimmed, especially for those who knew him best.
On Monday, August 11, Billy Crystal marked the anniversary of his friend’s death with a simple but emotional post on Instagram. Sharing a throwback photo of the two laughing on the set of their 1997 film Fathers’ Day, Crystal wrote, “Miss you my friend.”
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A post shared by Billy Crystal (@itsbillycrystal)
It didn’t take long for reactions to pour in.
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“Two absolute legends. Robin is still here with us. His laughter and joy remain,” one person wrote. Another said, “11 years on… Still hurts 😢😢😢.” A third added, “The world is a sadder place without him.”
Williams died by suicide on August 11, 2014, at age 63. An autopsy later revealed he had Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disease that can cause severe depression, anxiety, and hallucinations, according to Harvard Health. He is survived by his wife, Susan Schneider Williams, and his three children from previous marriages—Zak, with first wife Valerie Velardi, and Zelda and Cody, with second wife Marsha Garces.
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Last month, on what would have been his father’s 74th birthday, Zak posted his own tribute on Instagram: “For me, grief isn’t linear. It loops and echoes. It softens, then crescendos. But alongside it lives a legacy, the kind built not from fame or recognition, but from generosity and relentless kindness.”
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A post shared by Zachary Pym Williams (@zakpym)
Wrapping up his post, Zak, 42, said, “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.”
Over the years, Crystal and the Mrs. Doubtfire star worked together far beyond the screen. Alongside Whoopi Goldberg, they co-hosted Comic Relief USA, a televised charity event that raised nearly $50 million for homelessness initiatives.
The two also shared countless public appearances through the ’80s and ’90s, but one of their most memorable came at the 1998 Oscars, when Crystal—serving as host—watched Robin win Best Supporting Actor for Good Will Hunting and greeted him with an embrace fans still remember.
One person pointed out in the comments of a throwback clip, “He won this when his dear friend Billy Crystal was hosting. You can hear Robin exclaim when Billy goes up to congratulate him.” Another added, “Billy Crystal looks so happy for his friend.”
Fans will also have an opportunity to celebrate Robin’s legacy next month, when Robin: The Ultimate Robin Williams Tribute Experience—a live stage show starring impressionist Roger Kabler—stops at the Decatur Civic Center in Illinois on September 12.
Billy Crystal’s Emotional Tribute to Robin Williams 11 Years After His Death first appeared on Parade on Aug 12, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
