The Unexpected Sport That Helped Robin Williams Stay Sober

Though there have been many talented comedians who have made us laugh over the years, there has only ever been one Robin Williams. He is arguably one of the most hilarious people to ever walk the earth and brought laughter and joy to millions over the course of his career. In addition to being a talented comedian, he was also an actor who starred in some of Hollywood's most memorable films.

As a successful actor and comedian, one might assume Williams had everything a person could want, particularly money and fame. However, the lives of movie stars are not always just good times and endless money. It is no secret that during his career, Williams experienced addiction to both drugs and alcohol. He thankfully got sober before the birth of his first son and following the death of friend and fellow comedian John Belushi (per Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches). It was during that time he picked up an unexpected hobby — cycling.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Before he became a superstar, Robin McLaurin Williams was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 21, 1951 (per Biography). He later attended the prestigious Juilliard School, and while there, he really honed his acting and comedic skills. Williams subsequently built his career, beginning with stand-up comedy, by performing in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

After performing on multiple TV shows, Williams' big break came when he was given his own show, "Mork & Mindy," in 1978. He starred alongside actress Pam Dawber and portrayed the loveable and funny alien named Mork. Williams then turned his experience on TV into success on the big screen, beginning in 1980, when he starred as the iconic character Popeye. Over the next three decades, he became a beloved Hollywood actor, with films like "Good Morning, Vietnam," "Dead Poets Society," "Hook'," "Mrs. Doubtfire," and of course as the iconic Genie in Disney's" Aladdin."

Despite his major accomplishments on the stage and both the big and small screens, Robin Williams had his issues as well. While working on "Mork & Mindy," he experienced addiction to both alcohol and drugs (per Biography). He battled with that for decades before working hard to get clean and maintain his sobriety. In order to make staying sober easier, Williams picked up a new interest in bike riding. According to Bicycling, he took the sport very seriously and invested in his equipment as well as himself. He was a big fan of the Tour de France and also had close relationships with American cycling champions Lance Armstrong and Greg Lemond.

ABC News interviewed a friend and cycling partner of Williams' named Tony Tom, who owns the bike shop that Williams frequented. Williams told his friend that "biking was an outlet for him," and that it "saved his life as it was a lot better for him than cocaine." Though Robin Williams tragically died by suicide on August 11, 2014, he left behind an incredible legacy of laughter and love. In 2022, Williams' epic bike collection was auctioned off, bringing in more than $600,000. The proceeds were donated to the Challenged Athletes Foundation and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, two organizations that were very dear to his heart.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.