How Robin Williams remained close to Pinoy family even after divorce with Fil-Am wife

Filipino fans online had an outpour of grief over the death of Robin Williams on Tuesday of an apparent suicide.

 

But the American actor and comedian's link to the Philippines goes beyond the impact of his movies and television work on Filipino audiences.

 

For almost 20 years, Williams was married to Filipino-American wife Marsha Garces, allowing the actor to become part of an extended Pinoy family.

 

After marrying in 1989, the couple divorced in 2008. But in an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer in 2011, Williams opened up about his ties with the Filipino side of his family.

 

In the interview, Williams spoke glowingly about his former father-in-law, describing the late Leon Pantaleon Garces, a Filipino who served in the United States navy, as "a great man."

 

"My ex-father-in-law, Leon, was amazing," said Williams.

 

Fruitful relationship

 

Williams met Marsha, his second wife, when she was working as a nanny of his first child Zachary. The couple had two kids Zelda and Cody, who Williams said remained close to their Filipino kin.

 

"They keep up with the Filipino part of my family," he said.

 

The partnership went beyond personal too, as Marsha earned producing and assisting credits in several of Williams' top films such as "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Dead Poets Society," "Patch Adams," and "Good Morning, Vietnam."

 

The couple reportedly broke up after Williams suffered a relapse after being sober for 20 years.

 

Last post

 

After the divorce, Williams married Susan Schneider in 2011. The actor remained close to his children.

 

Notably, his last post on Instagram was a touching birthday greeting to his daughter Zelda, who is also an actress.

 

 

"#tbt and Happy Birthday to Ms. Zelda Rae Williams! Quarter of a century old today but always my baby girl. Happy Birthday @zeldawilliams Love you!" — Bianca Rose Gabu/JST, GMA News