Robin Williams is an American performer who got his start as a television actor in the 1970s, progressing later to stand-up comedy and film acting. Williams quickly became one of the nation’s best-known and most acclaimed comedic actors, known for his improvisational skills.

Though he became very successful on the silver screen in early ’80s, going on to star in such hits as “Good Morning, Vietnam” and “Good Will Hunting,” Williams has continued performing the occasional one-man stand-up comedy tours that he began in the ’70s. In 2008, he announced plans for his first tour in about six years.

The Weapons of Self-Destruction Tour ran from late 2008 through early 2009, at which point Williams announced he was postponing the remaining tour dates to undergo aortic valve replacement. Williams said he expected to continue the 80-city tour in late 2009 after recuperating.