Wiki Biography / Profile Background
Introduction :
Valerie Velardi is an American yoga instructor, artist, and former actor and dance instructor. She is most commonly known for being the first wife of the late actor, Robin Williams.
Personal Life, Parents and Family Details :
- Valerie Velardi was born on May 25, 1950. Born to parents Leonard and Dee, she has a sister named Leslie and three brothers named Leonard, Peter, and Theron.
- From 1978-1988, Valerie was married to the famous actor and comedian, Robin Williams. The couple met before Robin made it big; he was working as a bartender on the night they met.
- They welcomed their only child together, Zak, in 1983, but divorced after Robin started an affair with their live-in nanny (whom he later ended up marrying).
2018 Revelations :
- After staying out of the spotlight for many years, Valerie revealed in the 2018 Robin Williams documentary, Come Inside My Mind, that he was often unfaithful and that she chose to allow his infidelities.
- Although people were shocked at her candid revelation, it was not the first time she addressed the issue.
- In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine from 1982 — while they were still together — she said, “…It was never any one woman. It was lots of women.” She further explained, “If I had said ‘Don’t cross this line,’ he would have been long gone.”
- Later, Valerie married drummer Ricky Fataar, who has worked with artists like The Beach Boys and Bonnie Raitt. Although it is unclear whether or not they are still married, they have a daughter together named Francesca.
Early Life and Education :
- When she was just 12 years old, Valerie’s parents divorced, and she and her siblings remained with her dad. As the oldest, Valerie was forced to grow up quickly & help take care of her siblings.
- After attending St. Mary’s High School in New Haven, Connecticut, Valerie went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Goddard College in Vermont.
- From there, she went on to earn her Master’s degree from Mills College in dance education.
Valerie Velardi Net Worth : Career and Profession
- When Valerie met Robin, she was paying her bills as a cocktail waitress while working on her graduate degree.
- She later used her degree to become a dance instructor, once saying that she started too late in life to become a dancer herself.
- Once an aspiring actor and comedian herself, Valerie played alongside Robin in the 1980’s “Popeye.” for whatever reason, it was the last time she appeared onscreen.
- Now in her late-sixties, Valerie teaches yoga in San Francisco.
Fun Facts, Height and Trivia :
- Valerie is a regular attendee of ‘Burning Man,’ an event held annually in Black Rock City, USA. She helps construct an elaborate temple every year to burn down in an act of worship.
- Just one month after meeting, Valerie and Robin moved in together. In their first home, they had a parrot, two lizards, and an iguana.
- It was reported during their marriage that Valerie and Robin had gone through several separations. Valerie denied the claims in the Rolling Stones interview, explaining she would take 1-2 month vacations when Robin’s infidelities went too far and she wanted to rekindle their relationship.