Synopsis. Famed actor and comedian Robin Williams was born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois. After developing his improvisational style as a stand-up comedian, Williams landed his own television show, Mork and Mindy, and moved into leading parts in film with Robert Altman's Popeye.obin Williams-Mork & Mindy (TV-14; 3:07) Actor and comedian Robin Williams caught his first big break when he auditioned for the role of Mork on Happy Days.