Age gap at a glance
Robin Williams and Susan Schneider were married from 2011 until his death in 2014. Understanding their relationship requires clarifying the age difference between them and the sequence of major personal events. This overview presents verified timelines, ages at key moments, and factual context without speculation.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Robin Williams birth date | 11 July 1951 | Public birth record |
| Susan Schneider birth date | 8 July 1968 | Public biography |
| Age difference | 17 years (Williams older) | Calculated from birth dates |
| Marriage date | 31 March 2011 | County records |
| Williams death date | 11 August 2014 | Official reports |
Robin Williams: career peak and personal timeline
Born in 1951, Robin Williams rose to fame in the 1970s and achieved major box-office and critical success in the 1980s and 1990s. Key biographic anchors help frame the context of his later relationship. Important milestones include:
- 1951: Born in Chicago, Illinois
- 1978: Breakout comedy recognition
- 1980s–1990s: Leading film roles and awards recognition
- 2009: Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, later disclosed publicly
Marriages before Susan Schneider
Prior to meeting Schneider, Williams was married twice. His first marriage to Valerie Velardi (1978–1988) ended in divorce. He then married Marsha Garces in 1989; they had two children together and divorced in 2010. These earlier relationships established family foundations before his partnership with Schneider.
Susan Schneider: background and partnership
Born in 1968, Schneider worked in fashion and later in philanthropy before meeting Williams. They married in 2011, and she was by his side during his health challenges and until his passing in 2014. Key points include:
- 7 July 1968: Born
- 31 March 2011: Married Robin Williams
- 11 August 2014: Williams passes away; Schneider was his widow
- Continues her work in charitable and cultural initiatives
Age difference explained
The 17-year gap means Schneider was in her early 40s at marriage while Williams was nearly 60. This age difference is relatively common in relationships where partners prioritize emotional connection over age parity. The table below summarizes ages at marriage:
| Partner | Birth date | Age at marriage (31 March 2011) |
|---|---|---|
| Robin Williams | 11 July 1951 | 59 |
| Susan Schneider | 8 July 1968 | 42 |
Public perception and media coverage
Media narratives often emphasize age gaps in high-profile couples, but the factual record centers on mutual support and shared life events. For Williams and Schneider, the relevant context includes long-term partnership, caregiving, and family integration rather than speculation about motive based solely on age.
Health, care, and later years
Williams’ diagnosis with early-onset Parkinson’s disease brought added attention to the couple’s private care decisions. Schneider’s role as caregiver highlights how age and health intersect in long-term partnerships. Key facts include:
- Diagnosis publicly shared in 2009
- Marriage provided legal and personal frameworks for care decisions
- Williams died in 2014 at age 63
Frequently asked questions
- How old was Robin Williams when he married Susan Schneider? He was 59 at the time of their wedding in March 2011.
- How old was Susan Schneider when they married? She was 42.
- What was the age difference between them? 17 years, with Williams being older.
- Did they have children together? No; Schneider had children from a previous relationship, and they built a family together.
Relationship timeline at a glance
| Date or Period | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1951 | Williams born | Establishes generational context |
| 1968 | Schneider born | Clarifies age positioning |
| 1978 | Williams’ breakout | Career milestone preceding partnership |
| 2011 | Marriage | Legal recognition of partnership |
| 2014 | Williams passes away | End of partnership; public reflection on caregiving |
Bottom line
Robin Williams and Susan Schneider had a 17-year age gap, marrying in 2011 when he was 59 and she was 42. The relationship lasted until his death in 2014 and was characterized by mutual support, publicly documented caregiving, and shared family life. Verified timelines and records provide a stable foundation for understanding this partnership.