Laurie McLaurin is famous as both an actress and the mother of the iconic comedian, Robin Williams. Laurie’s nurturing presence deeply influenced her son’s upbringing.
Her unwavering support and guidance shaped Robin’s successful career and personal journey. Tragically, Laurie passed away in 2001 due to heart failure, leaving behind a huge impact on those who knew her.
In this article, we will uncover Laurie’s early life, her relationship with her famous son, her family dynamics, her career, her net worth, and more.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Laurie Mclaurin Williams |
| Famous as | Robin Williams’ Mother |
| Occupation | Actress, Former Fashion Model |
| Date of Birth | September 24, 1922 |
| Place of Birth | Jackson, Mississippi, United States |
| Date of Death | September 4, 2001 |
| Place of Death | Tiburon, California |
| Burial Place | Evansville, Knight Township, Vanderburgh, Indiana, USA |
| Death at the Age | 78 |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Spouse | Robert Fitzgerald Williams, William Musgrave |
| Children | McLaurin Smith Williams, Robin Williams |
| Grandchildren | Zelda Williams, Zachary Pym Williams, Cody Williams |
| Parents | Robert Armistead Janin, Laura McLaurin Berry Janin Smith |
| Great-Grandfather | Anselm Joseph McLaurin |
| Gender | Female |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Nationality | American |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Net Worth | N/A |
Laurie Mclaurin’s Early Life
Laurie McLaurin was born on September 24, 1922, in Jackson, Mississippi, USA. She was raised in New Orleans by her parents Robert Armistead Janin and Laura McLaurin Berry Janin Smith.
Laurie has remained private about her personal life, revealing little to no information about her siblings or early years.
She pursued her education at the San Francisco Art Institute, but details beyond this remain hard to find in the media, adding mystery to her background.
Laurie Mclaurin’s Age And Nationality
Laurie McLaurin, born on September 24, 1922, was 78 years old at the time of her passing in 2001.
Her zodiac sign was Libra. Holding American nationality, Laurie was proud of her roots in the United States, where she left a memorable mark through her work and influence.
Laurie Mclaurin’s Personal Life
Laurie McLaurin’s romantic journey had many twists and turns. She first got married to William Musgrave in 1942. Their marriage resulted in the birth of their child, McLaurin Smith Williams.
Unfortunately, the couple couldn’t work out and got divorced in 1948. However, love found her again when she crossed paths with Robert Fitzgerald Williams, whom she married in 1950.
This marriage opened up a new chapter in her life filled with love and companionship.
Laurie Mclaurin And Robert Fitzgerald Williams’ Marriage
Laurie McLaurin’s husband, Robert Fitzgerald Williams was a senior executive at Ford’s Lincoln-Mercury division.
In 1950, the couple tied the knot, and on July 21, 1951, they welcomed their son, Robin Williams, into the world. Robert also had a son from a previous marriage, named Robert Todd Williams.
They moved to Detroit in 1963, where they resided in a 40-room farmhouse in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
During this time, Robin was partially raised by maids. Later, Robert took an early retirement and the family moved to Tiburon, California, marking a new chapter for the family.
Laurie Mclaurin’s Famous Son: Robin Williams
Robin McLaurin Williams (July 21, 1951 – August 11, 2014) was a celebrated American actor and comedian.
He was renowned for his improvised genius and versatile character portrayals across comedic and dramatic roles. Williams skyrocketed to fame with his fierce stand-up routines.
His memorable performances in iconic films like “Good Will Hunting,” earned him an Academy Award, including projects like “Dead Poets Society,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and “Aladdin.”
Beyond entertainment, Williams devoted himself to philanthropy, supporting causes such as Comic Relief, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, and the United Service Organizations, Inc.
Despite his massive success, Williams battled with inner demons, ultimately taking his own life in 2014 at the age of 63. He left behind an enduring legacy of laughter and a huge impact on global audiences.
Laurie Mclaurin And Robin Williams’ Bond
Laurie McLaurin shared an incredibly tight bond with her son, Robin Williams. She served as not only his mother but also his dedicated supporter and friend throughout his career.
Their connection was evident when they appeared together on “Superstars With Their Moms” in 1984, even engaging in a friendly tennis match, showcasing their close relationship.
In interviews, Robin often spoke fondly of Laurie, describing her as not just a mother but also a fun and supportive friend, highlighting the depth of their bond and the mutual admiration they shared.
What Happened To Robert Fitzgerald Williams?
Laurie McLaurin and Robert Fitzgerald Williams remained married until Robert’s passing on October 18, 1987, at the age of 81.
He passed away at home after battling a lengthy illness. This marked the end of his lifelong partnership with Laurie, filled with love, support, and shared experiences.
Laurie Mclaurin’s Career
Laurie McLaurin was not just a woman of style, but a force in her own right. During World War II, she ventured into the heart of Washington, D.C., where her passion for fashion began to bloom.
After studying lithography at the San Francisco Art Institute in 1945, she entered the fashion world, walking the runways of Marshall Field as a model in the late 1940s.
Laurie believed in the transformative power of fashion, once stating, “You can go from a bimbo to a countess with a hat.”
Alongside her modeling journey, Laurie started acting, appearing in TV commercials in the 1950s and even starring in an exercise video for seniors.
She was a talented storyteller and tennis player at the Belvedere Tennis Club. Laurie was also dedicated to her community, and involved in charitable work with the Christian Science church in Marin County.
Her vibrant spirit and dedication to both fashion and philanthropy left a memorable mark on all who knew her.
Laurie Mclaurin’s Net Worth
There is no publicly available information about Laurie McLaurin’s net worth.
However, her son, Robin Williams, had earned a significant fortune, with an estimated net worth of $50 million at the time of his passing in 2014.
Where Is Laurie Mclaurin Now?
On September 4, 2001, Laurie McLaurin Williams, passed away at the age of 78 in Tiburon, California, due to heart failure.
Her departure left a void not only in the lives of her family but also in the hearts of those who admired her within the entertainment industry and her local community.
Laurie’s legacy continues to be remembered fondly by all who knew her.
