5 Ways Robin Williams' Family Is Carrying His Legacy Forward In 2025: From Directing Debut To Mental Wellness Empire

The legacy of the legendary Robin Williams endures not just through his timeless films, but through the profound, unique work of his family. More than a decade after his passing, his three children—Zak, Zelda, and Cody—and his widow, Susan Schneider Williams, have each carved out powerful, distinct paths that directly reflect the compassion, creativity, and complexity that defined the beloved comedian’s life. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the Williams family continues to make headlines, focusing their energy on mental health advocacy, creative endeavors in Hollywood, and a crucial fight for neurological disease awareness.

The family's collective work provides a fresh, inspiring narrative, moving beyond grief to a proactive mission. From a major directorial debut in the horror-comedy genre to launching a mental wellness empire, here is an in-depth look at what Robin Williams' family is doing now and how they are ensuring his spirit of empathy and artistry lives on.

The Robin Williams Family Tree: A Complete Biography Profile

Robin Williams was married three times and had three children. His family members are actively working in the mental health, film, and advocacy spheres, each carrying a piece of his artistic and compassionate spirit.

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• Zak (Zachary Pym) Williams
  • Born: April 11, 1983 (Age 41 in 2024)
  • Mother: Valerie Velardi (First Wife)
  • Profession: Mental Health Advocate, Entrepreneur, CEO/Co-founder of PYM (Prepare Your Mind)
  • Current Endeavor: Leading his neurotransmitter health company and speaking openly about his own mental health journey.
• Zelda Rae Williams
  • Born: July 31, 1989 (Age 35 in 2024)
  • Mother: Marsha Garces (Second Wife)
  • Profession: Director, Actress, Writer
  • Current Endeavor: Making her feature-length directorial debut and actively speaking out against the unethical use of AI in Hollywood.
• Cody Alan Williams
  • Born: November 25, 1991 (Age 33 in 2024)
  • Mother: Marsha Garces (Second Wife)
  • Profession: Filmmaker, Assistant Director, Musician
  • Current Endeavor: Working behind the camera in the film industry, following a passion for production and music.
• Susan Schneider Williams
  • Profession: Fine Artist, Author, Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) Advocate
  • Current Endeavor: Vice-Chair of the American Brain Foundation and a leading voice for LBD awareness and research, seeking a biomarker for the disease.

1. Zelda Williams’ Feature Directorial Debut and The Fight Against AI

Zelda Williams, known for her acting roles, has officially stepped into the director's chair with a major feature film, signaling a new and exciting chapter in her career. Her feature-length directorial debut, the '80s-set zombie romantic comedy Lisa Frankenstein, premiered in 2024, marking a significant milestone in her filmmaking journey.

The film, written by Diablo Cody, is a "bonkers" horror-comedy that showcases Zelda's distinct creative voice and her willingness to embrace bold, genre-bending projects.

A Strong Stance on Digital Ethics

Beyond her directorial work, Zelda has become one of the most prominent voices in Hollywood speaking out against the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI). She has repeatedly called out the danger and ethical violations of AI-generated videos and deepfakes that attempt to recreate her late father’s voice and likeness.

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Her public statements highlight a crucial, timely issue in the entertainment industry: the right to control one's own digital image and the legacy of deceased artists. Zelda’s strong advocacy on this topic, particularly in 2024 and 2025, positions her not only as a creative force but as a principled defender of artistic integrity in the digital age.

2. Zak Williams’ Mental Wellness Empire: PYM

Zak Williams, Robin’s eldest son, has transformed his personal experience with grief and anxiety into a thriving business and a powerful platform for mental health advocacy. Zak is the CEO and co-founder of the neurotransmitter health company, PYM (Prepare Your Mind), which he launched with his wife, Olivia June.

The company focuses on creating natural, non-addictive supplements designed to support the body’s natural production of neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin, helping to manage stress and anxiety. Zak’s motivation is deeply personal, stemming from his own struggles following his father's death by suicide in 2014.

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Advocacy and Entrepreneurship

Zak’s work with PYM is a direct extension of his advocacy. He frequently speaks publicly about the importance of mental wellness, destigmatizing conversations around mental health, and providing accessible support. His approach is rooted in the belief that mental health is as important as physical health, a message that deeply resonates with the public in 2025. By focusing on *neurotransmitter health*, Zak is driving a science-backed conversation about managing mood and stress, solidifying his role as a leading entrepreneur in the wellness space.

3. Susan Schneider Williams’ Relentless Fight for LBD Awareness

Robin Williams’ widow, Susan Schneider Williams, has dedicated her life to raising awareness about Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), the disease that tragically contributed to her husband’s death. Robin Williams suffered from undiagnosed LBD, and his symptoms were misattributed to Parkinson's disease, highlighting the critical need for better diagnostic tools and public knowledge.

Susan has become a leading advocate, serving as the Vice-Chair of the American Brain Foundation.

The Search for a Biomarker

Her advocacy is intensely focused on funding research to find a biomarker for LBD. A biomarker would allow for accurate diagnosis in living patients, potentially saving countless families from the confusion and misdiagnosis the Williams family endured. Susan’s powerful personal narrative, detailed in her book and documentary work, is a driving force behind global efforts to understand this devastating neurological disorder. Her continued work in 2025 ensures that Robin Williams’ final struggle is not in vain, but instead fuels a vital medical mission.

4. Cody Alan Williams’ Quiet Work Behind the Camera

While his older siblings are more visible in the public eye, Cody Alan Williams, Robin’s youngest son, has chosen a path primarily behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. Cody is a filmmaker and has worked as an assistant director, contributing to the production side of movies and television.

Cody's role as a filmmaker and assistant director connects him to his father’s world of cinema, but in a less visible, crucial capacity. His work shows a commitment to the craft of storytelling and production, a subtle yet powerful continuation of the family's deep roots in Hollywood.

5. The Family’s Collective Commitment to Honoring His Memory

The most unifying aspect of the Williams family's collective work is their shared, unwavering commitment to honoring Robin Williams’ memory through positive action. They have consistently used their platform to advocate for kindness, mental health, and scientific research—values Robin himself embodied.

Whether it’s Zak’s focus on proactive mental wellness, Zelda’s artistic direction and ethical defense of artists, or Susan’s vital LBD awareness campaign, each family member is translating their grief into meaningful, public service. Their actions prove that Robin Williams’ legacy is not just a collection of great performances, but a living, breathing force for good in the world, stronger than ever in 2025.