ACTOR · BORN 1958
Tim Robbins
- Born
- 16 October 1958, West Covina, California, USA
- Known for
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994), The Simpsons (1989), Top Gun (1986), War of the Worlds (2005)
38 archived facts 5 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (38)
- #001
In an interview with Charlie Rose marking the tenth anniversary of The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Tim Robbins listed the most important works of his career up to that point, naming Bull Durham (1988), Dead Man Walking (1995) and Mystic River (2003) alongside that film as his masterpieces. The actor said these four films hold a special place for him and represent turning points in his acting journey. The statement reveals the respect Robbins holds for his most successful works, both commercially and critically.
- #002
At 1.96 metres tall, Tim Robbins holds the title of the tallest actor to have cradled an Oscar statuette. Another notable figure in this regard is James Cromwell, who earned a nomination at 2.01 metres. Robbins's physical stature places him among Hollywood's rare tall stars while lending a distinct presence to his work on camera.
- #003
Stranded in New York after the September 11 attacks, Tim Robbins made a great effort to return to his partner Susan Sarandon and their children, who were in Hollywood at the time. Learning that all flights had been cancelled, the actor set out with a friend and reached Los Angeles after an arduous 56-hour drive that began on the morning of September 12, 2001. The episode shows Robbins's devotion to his family and his ability to find practical solutions even under extraordinary circumstances.
- #004
Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon were regarded as one of Hollywood's most stable couples throughout their 21-year relationship, which lasted from 1988 to 2009. During that long relationship the couple had two sons, Jack Henry and Miles. Although their separation saddened fans, the support the pair gave each other in both their private lives and their careers also laid the groundwork for collaborations that entered cinema history.
- #005
Appearing on the talk show The Colbert Report, Tim Robbins stated that among the dozens of films he has acted in over his career, he loves Bull Durham (1988) the most. The admission reveals that the actor values projects that give him artistic satisfaction over productions that achieve major commercial success. The baseball-themed film, in which he starred alongside Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon, continues to hold a special place in Robbins's career.
- #006
Tim Robbins has had the honour of appearing in two important productions regarded as integral parts of American culture and selected by the Library of Congress for the National Film Registry. The first is the 1986 film Top Gun, one of the era's iconic action movies; the other is The Shawshank Redemption (1994), one of the most beloved dramas in cinema history. Although the two films represent different genres, they prove Robbins's wide acting range and his lasting impact on the industry.
- #007
One of the important milestones in Tim Robbins's career is his discovery of Jack Black, a beloved figure in the world of comedy. Black had his first film experience in Bob Roberts (1992), which Robbins directed, and made his screen debut through it. The strong friendship between the two, which has continued since then, has led them to appear together on screen in three films. This support from Robbins is a sign of the importance he places on young talent and of the spirit of solidarity in the industry.
- #008
Tim Robbins openly admits that he accepted Howard the Duck (1986), which he appeared in early in his career, purely for the money. The candid admission reveals the pragmatic side of the actor, who accepts the realities of the industry and at times acts out of commercial concerns. Although the film failed to achieve the success expected at the box office, it was an experience that led Robbins to be more selective in his later choices.
- #009
In the films he has directed, Tim Robbins has managed to carry two of his actors to Oscar nominations. The first was Susan Sarandon, who won the award for her performance in Dead Man Walking (1995). The other was Sean Penn, who was nominated for his role in Mystic River (2003). Robbins's skill in directing actors proves how talented he is behind the camera as well as in front of it.
- #010
Tim Robbins's youth featured events that foreshadowed his successful film career. Playing on his high school hockey team, Robbins was kicked off the team for getting involved in a fight. The incident reveals his competitive and passionate nature while also standing out as an example of the conflicts he had with authority at a young age. Fortunately, it did not cause him to lose his interest in sports or his discipline.
- #011
One of Tim Robbins's close friends is the famous actor John Cusack. The two appeared together in six films — Bob Roberts (1992), Cradle Will Rock (1999), High Fidelity (2000), The Player (1992), The Sure Thing (1985) and Tapeheads (1988) — setting an example of a strong friendship and collaboration. These films reveal the two actors' harmony across different genres and the trust they have in each other.
- #012
Tim Robbins comes from a family steeped in the arts. His father, Gil Robbins, was a well-known figure in the music world as a member of the famous folk group The Highwaymen, while his mother, Mary Robbins, was an actress. This art-filled environment laid the groundwork for young Tim's interest in both acting and music to blossom at an early age. His family's cultural background played an important role in his development as a versatile artist.
- #013
Tim Robbins is also a figure who completed his academic career successfully. Graduating with honours from the Drama department of UCLA in 1981, Robbins had the opportunity through this education to learn the theoretical and practical aspects of the acting craft in depth. This solid academic foundation also formed the basis of the success he would show in later years as both an actor and a director.
- #014
Tim Robbins's first steps in the arts came when he was just 12 years old. At that young age he became a member of Theater for the New City, one of New York's avant-garde theatre companies. This experience allowed him to discover his passion for the performing arts early and also formed the basis of the theatre company he would later found. Robbins's early start is a sign of his commitment to art and his courage.
- #015
Tim Robbins's taste in cinema also reflects his perspective on art. Naming Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece Seven Samurai (1954) as his favourite film, Robbins expresses his admiration for the master of Japanese cinema through this choice. Kurosawa's epic storytelling and character depth may also have influenced Robbins's own understanding of acting and directing. The choice shows that he is well versed not only in Hollywood productions but also in the classics of world cinema.
- #016
As a mark of his success in his film career, Tim Robbins received his own star on the famous Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard on October 10, 2008. Located at number 6801, the star symbolises his lasting mark on the industry and his popularity. The honour cemented Robbins's place among Hollywood's respected names as both an actor and a director.
- #017
When Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon appeared as co-hosts at the Academy Awards ceremony in 1993, they used the platform to draw attention to an important humanitarian issue. The pair brought the plight of several hundred Haitian AIDS patients detained at Guantanamo Bay to the public's attention. This bold move showed that Robbins and Sarandon were activists acting with a sense of social responsibility, not only figures of the entertainment world.
- #018
Tim Robbins's family holds an important place in his life. The actor has a brother named David Robbins and a sister named Adele Robbins. While the Robbins family led a life intertwined with art and culture, Tim's relationship with his siblings is also known as part of his private life. These family ties reflect Robbins's attachment to his roots and the stability in his personal life.
- #019
Alongside his film career, Tim Robbins is also known for his passion for sports. His interest in ice hockey in particular took him as far as playing in the Heroes of Hockey exhibition game held during the National Hockey League's (NHL) All-Star Game. The event stands out as a special organisation bringing together retired legendary players and famous names. Robbins's participation in this game shows how deep his love of hockey runs.
- #020
Tim Robbins describes himself as the world's biggest New York Rangers fan. As proof of this passion, he claims to own every published highlight video from the team's 1994 Stanley Cup championship season. Also a big supporter of the baseball team the New York Mets, Robbins voices his interest in the sports world and his loyalty to his team at every opportunity.
- #021
Tim Robbins was also known for his political identity as a longtime member of the Green Party. His support for Ralph Nader, alongside his partner Susan Sarandon, in the contested 2000 U.S. presidential election drew criticism from many figures in Hollywood. Robbins wrote a short article defending his choice in the progressive magazine The Nation on August 6, 2001. The piece demonstrates his willingness to state his political stance and views openly.
- #022
In 2000, Tim Robbins reacted sharply when actress Elizabeth Hurley crossed a picket line to shoot a commercial for a Proctor & Gamble product. At a pro-union rally in New York, he said Hurley would have to answer for her actions and would be judged for them. Robbins's outburst highlights the importance he places on workers' rights and the union struggle, while also reflecting the spirit of solidarity in Hollywood during strikes.
- #023
Tim Robbins's ancestry reaches across different corners of Europe. The actor has English, one-eighth Norwegian, Scots-Irish/Northern Irish, Scottish, German, French/French-Canadian and distant Dutch roots. This rich ethnic heritage shows that he comes from a cosmopolitan family and represents a blend of different cultures. Robbins's multicultural background may also have influenced the shaping of his worldview and his artistic sensibility.
- #024
Two sons were born from Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon's relationship. Their first child, Jack Henry Robbins, was born on May 15, 1989, and their second, Miles Robbins, on May 4, 1992. Both sons have followed in their father's footsteps and are trying to establish themselves in the arts. Robbins's experience as a father shows that it has been one of the most important roles in his personal life.
- #025
Tim Robbins once again proved his interest in ice hockey. In January 2010, he took to the ice in the Legends Classic hockey game held with legendary players of the Boston Bruins. Such exhibition games are known as special events where former stars and celebrities come together to have fun and meet fans. Robbins's participation in this game shows his strong ties to the hockey community and his love of the sport.
- #026
Although Tim Robbins's political identity is known as that of a staunchly liberal activist, his donations paint a more complex picture. Robbins gave financial support to both Republican and Democratic candidates for public office. One of them was Michele Bachmann, who ran in the 2006 U.S. congressional elections and was known for her far-right views. Robbins's $500 donation to Bachmann shows that his political stance is not confined to a single ideology and that he is open to different views.
- #027
Tim Robbins is a figure who has demonstrated his anti-war stance through his actions as well. On February 15, 2003, shortly before the start of the Iraq War, he took part in a large anti-war rally in London. The rally was part of protests held simultaneously around the world and brought together millions of people. Robbins's participation in this action shows that he favors peaceful solutions and actively defends his political views.
- #028
Tim Robbins paid his last respects by attending the funeral of his close friend, the actor Chris Penn. Chris Penn was the brother of the famous actor Sean Penn and died in 2006. Robbins's presence at the funeral shows his strong bonds of friendship with his colleagues and his sensitivity in standing by them in difficult times. Such gestures are among the rare examples of human solidarity in Hollywood's competitive world.
- #029
Alongside acting and directing, Tim Robbins also plays an important role in the theater world. As artistic director and board member of the Actors' Gang theater company, which he founded in 1981, Robbins contributes to the development of young talent. The company is known for its experimental and political approach to theater and reflects Robbins's artistic vision. This role shows that he is not only a film actor but also an artist devoted to theater.
- #030
Tim Robbins earned a place on a prestigious list compiled by the UK-based magazine Empire ranking the best actors in cinema history. Placed 60th on the "100 Greatest Movie Stars of All Time" list, Robbins proved his influence and staying power in world cinema. The ranking is regarded as an indication of his standing among both critics and audiences.
- #031
Over the course of his career, Tim Robbins was among the names considered for roles in several notable films. The first was the role of Dr. Doom in the Marvel comic-book adaptation Fantastic Four (2005). The character Eddie Darko was also raised for the cult film Donnie Darko (2001). Although these roles did not come to him, this shows that Robbins was a sought-after actor for productions in different genres.
- #032
Tim Robbins was among the names considered for the role of Charles Van Doren in Quiz Show (1994). At the time, Steven Soderbergh was being approached to direct the film, and Robbins was also linked to the project. In the end the role went to Ralph Fiennes, and the film received great acclaim. Robbins's association with this project shows that he was a serious actor considered for the era's major productions.
- #033
The Actors' Gang theater company, which Tim Robbins founded in 1981, was at times the scene of internal disputes. In a story that LA Weekly put on its cover, Robbins's struggle to take creative control of the company was examined in detail. During this process, some longtime members of the group left the company. The episode lays bare the tension between Robbins's artistic vision and the expectations of other members.
- #034
Tim Robbins also earned a place on a list compiled by Empire magazine ranking cinema history's sexiest stars. The magazine placed him 94th on its "100 Sexiest Stars" list. The selection shows that Robbins drew attention not only for his acting talent but also for his charisma and on-screen appeal. Such lists reflect an actor's place in popular culture and influence over his fan base.
- #035
Although Tim Robbins's television career has remained in the shadow of his film success, it includes an interesting chapter. Robbins appeared alongside Leslie Nielsen and Jennifer Tilly in the pilot episode of the sitcom Shaping Up (1984). However, the cast was changed before the series aired, and Michael Fontaine was brought in in Robbins's place. Promotional photos of Robbins with Nielsen and the other actors still circulate among collectors.
- #036
Tim Robbins attended a film festival held in the Argentine city of Mar del Plata. He took part in the festival together with his former partner Susan Sarandon. The Mar del Plata International Film Festival is known as one of Latin America's major cinema events. Robbins's attendance shows his ties to the international film community and his desire to meet audiences in different cultures.
- #037
In 2019, Tim Robbins visited the Chilean city of Concepción, continuing his interest in theater on an international platform as well. Robbins staged the play "The New Colossus" at the BioBio theater, meeting art lovers in South America through this visit. The event shows that he is not limited to cinema and Hollywood but also plays an active role on theater stages around the world.
- #038
Tim Robbins auditioned for the role of Michael Kellam in Three Men and a Baby (1987) and gave a very impressive performance. The first name considered for the role was Steve Guttenberg, but the actor had turned down the offer because of his busy schedule. However, director Leonard Nimoy and the distributor Disney managed to persuade Guttenberg and gave him the role. Robbins's experience shows how decisive star power and marketing strategies can be in Hollywood casting.
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