Robin Williams's children, Zak, Zelda, and Cody, have reactivated his Instagram account after 12 years of dormancy, marking what would have been the actor's 75th year. In their first post, they wrote: "As we recognize what would be our Dad's 75th year, we're grateful to see new generations discovering his work while longtime fans continue to celebrate the joy he brought into their lives."
The post, signed by the three children, explains that they want the account to be a "safe, trusted place" that reflects his legacy "with authenticity, warmth, and care." They added: "As technology evolves, we want this to be a safe, trusted place where the stories, photos, videos, and memories shared reflect his legacy with authenticity, warmth, and care."
The reactivation comes amid growing concerns about AI abuse, with both The Times of India and Lokmat Times reporting that the move is intended to combat AI-generated content misusing the actor's image and voice. Lokmat Times, quoting an agency feed from IANS, noted that the children want to preserve his legacy online as technology changes.
The account had been dormant since Williams's death on August 11, 2014, at the age of 65, according to The Times of India. Lokmat Times, however, places his age at 63 at the time of death without specifying a source for that figure. The discrepancy in age has not been reconciled by either report.
Williams's death was declared a suicide, with Lokmat Times adding that it was by hanging and occurred amid Lewy body dementia and other associated factors. The Times of India reported that Williams had an undiagnosed case of Lewy body dementia, which caused paranoia and anxiety.
The children's note emphasizes the enduring impact of their father's work, saying: "This is our way of sharing his unique talent and humor with the world, including the moments that made us and so many of you laugh, as we remember our Dad's extraordinary life and work. He continues to inspire us and delight people all over the world."
Williams, known for his improvisational skills, left a wide-ranging filmography including dramas, comedies, and voice work. The Times of India lists some of his notable films: Jumanji, Dead Poets Society, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Aladdin. Lokmat Times highlights his versatility and effortless comic timing.
His career earned him numerous accolades. Lokmat Times reports he received an Academy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, five Grammy Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, as well as the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2005. The Times of India does not mention these honors.
Both outlets present the reactivation as a heartfelt tribute. The Times of India frames it as an action taken 'for a serious cause' — fighting AI abuse — while Lokmat Times leads with the children honoring their father's legacy. Neither report details a specific trigger event for the reactivation, though The Times of India suggests it is a response to the broader issue of AI misuse.
Zelda Williams, who has previously spoken publicly about the fight against fake AI content, appears to be a driving force, though neither outlet provides direct quotes from her beyond the joint statement. A claim about a source telling Radar Online that the children took urgent action after seeing fake AI videos circulated online is carried by a single outlet and not yet independently verified; neither Lokmat Times nor The Times of India reports such a detail.
The children's note concludes: "He continues to inspire us and delight people all over the world," leaving no doubt about their intention to keep his memory alive in the digital age.