5 Surprising Ways Robin Williams’ Family Is Upholding His Legacy In 2025

More than a decade after the passing of comedy legend Robin Williams, the world remains captivated by the enduring legacy of his family: his three children, Zak, Zelda, and Cody, and his widow, Susan Schneider Williams. As of December 12, 2025, the Williams family is not just preserving his memory but actively forging new paths, turning their grief into powerful advocacy and creative endeavors. Their lives today are a testament to resilience, marked by significant achievements in film, mental health, and philanthropic work, ensuring the spirit of the beloved actor continues to inspire.

The latest updates from the Williams family reveal a powerful commitment to issues close to Robin's heart, particularly mental health awareness and the fight against Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), the disease that tragically afflicted him. From a feature film directorial debut to a burgeoning neurotransmitter health company, each family member has channeled their unique experience with loss into meaningful work, collectively evolving the Williams name into a symbol of compassion, creativity, and outspoken honesty about the challenges of grief and health.

The Complete Williams Family Biography: A Legacy of Love and Artistry

Robin Williams was married three times and had three children, each of whom inherited a portion of his creative spark and philanthropic drive. Understanding the family structure is key to appreciating their current endeavors.

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• First Wife: Valerie Velardi (m. 1978–1988)
  • Child: Zachary 'Zak' Pym Williams
    • Born: April 11, 1983
    • Current Focus: Mental health advocate, entrepreneur, CEO and Co-founder of PYM (Prepare Your Mind).
• Second Wife: Marsha Garces Williams (m. 1989–2010)
  • Child: Zelda Rae Williams
    • Born: July 31, 1989
    • Current Focus: Actress, writer, and director. Made her feature directorial debut in 2024.
  • Child: Cody Alan Williams
    • Born: November 25, 1991
    • Current Focus: Assistant director and producer in the film industry.
• Third Wife: Susan Schneider Williams (m. 2011–2014)
  • Current Focus: Artist, illustrator, and leading advocate for Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) awareness.

Zak Williams and the New Frontier of Mental Wellness (PYM)

The eldest son, Zak Williams, has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in the family's current narrative, dedicating his life to mental health advocacy, a cause deeply personal to him following his father's struggle with depression and the misdiagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia.

1. Launching PYM: A Neurotransmitter Health Company

Zak's most significant entrepreneurial venture is the company PYM (Prepare Your Mind), which he co-founded and serves as CEO. The company is a direct result of his own journey managing anxiety and depression after his father’s death. PYM focuses on creating mood-chews and supplements designed to support the body’s natural production of neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin, aiming to provide a natural, holistic approach to daily mental wellness.

The company's mission is to destigmatize mental health conversations and offer accessible tools for emotional well-being. This focus on proactive mental health is a powerful extension of Robin Williams’ philanthropic legacy, which was always rooted in compassion and helping others.

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2. Philanthropic and Advocacy Work in 2025

Beyond his business, Zak remains an active advocate and speaker on mental health. He frequently participates in galas and events, such as the Bring Change to Mind Revels & Revelations gala, where he continues to honor his father's memory by sharing heartwarming personal stories.

In recent tributes, including on what would have been his father's 74th birthday (July 2024) and the 10th anniversary of his death (August 2024), Zak reflected on Robin as a "big kid at heart," emphasizing the importance of kindness and the need for greater understanding of mental illness.

Zelda and Cody: Directing, Producing, and Guarding the Creative Flame

Robin Williams' two children from his second marriage, Zelda and Cody, have chosen to honor their father's artistic life by working behind the camera, solidifying the Williams name in the next generation of Hollywood.

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3. Zelda Williams’ Feature Directorial Debut with 'Lisa Frankenstein'

Zelda Williams, an actress and writer, made a significant leap in her career in 2024 with her feature directorial debut, the horror-comedy film Lisa Frankenstein. The film, which she has described as a "campy '80s rom-com," allowed her to explore complex themes, including the beauty in grief, a theme she knows intimately.

Her work has been praised for its unique blend of humor and heart, reminiscent of her father's own ability to navigate dramatic and comedic roles. Zelda has also become an outspoken voice against the misuse of technology, particularly denouncing AI recreations of her father's voice and likeness, passionately advocating for the protection of artists' rights and legacies.

4. Cody Alan Williams’ Quiet but Essential Role in Film Production

The youngest son, Cody Alan Williams, has chosen a path out of the spotlight but remains firmly rooted in the film industry. Cody works as an assistant director and producer, contributing to the technical and logistical side of filmmaking. While he maintains a very private life, his professional choice directly connects him to the world of storytelling that defined his father's career. His work ensures that the Williams family continues to contribute to the magic of Hollywood, albeit from behind the scenes.

Susan Schneider Williams: The Lewy Body Dementia Advocate

Robin Williams' widow, Susan Schneider Williams, has dedicated her life since 2014 to raising global awareness about Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). Her tireless advocacy is arguably the most impactful update to the family's story, transforming a private tragedy into a public health mission.

5. Fighting for LBD Awareness and Diagnosis

Susan has been instrumental in educating the public and the medical community about LBD, the second most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer's. She wrote an emotional and detailed account of her husband’s final years, describing the "confusing parade of mysterious symptoms" that led to his misdiagnosis and struggle.

Her work focuses on highlighting the severity of the disease—which affects thinking, movement, mood, and behavior—and the critical need for early and accurate diagnosis. Both Zak and Zelda consistently support Susan's efforts, ensuring that their father’s suffering was not in vain but instead serves as a catalyst for change in neurological research and patient care.

The Williams family today represents a fascinating study in how to honor a monumental legacy while carving out individual paths. Zak, Zelda, Cody, and Susan have all taken different, yet equally meaningful, routes to keep Robin Williams' spirit alive. Whether through mental health entrepreneurship, feature film direction, behind-the-scenes production, or powerful disease advocacy, the family’s collective work in 2025 is a beautiful, compassionate continuation of the profound impact Robin Williams had on the world. They are not merely the inheritors of his name but the active guardians of his ethos: to bring light, understanding, and kindness to a world often in need of all three.