Richard Williams is widely recognized as the man behind one of the most extraordinary success stories in sports history. As the father and former coach of Venus and Serena Williams, two of the greatest tennis players of all time, his influence extends far beyond the courts. With vision, determination, and unconventional methods, Richard Williams helped change the landscape of tennis and opened doors for a new generation of athletes.
Because of his advanced age and reduced public presence, many people often ask: Is Richard Williams still alive? This article offers the latest updates on his life status, health, and enduring legacy as one of the most impactful sports parents in modern history.
Is Richard Williams Still Alive in 2025?
Yes, Richard Williams is still alive as of 2025.
Born on February 14, 1942, Richard Williams is now 83 years old. While he has faced significant health challenges in recent years, including multiple strokes, he continues to live under the care and support of family members. He has mostly retreated from the public eye but remains an iconic and respected figure in the world of tennis and sports leadership.
His legacy is preserved not just in the success of his daughters but in the revolutionary way he changed how society views athletic parenting, training, and opportunity in underrepresented communities.
Early Life and Background
Richard Dove Williams Jr. was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, during a time of intense racial segregation and limited opportunities for African Americans. He experienced poverty, violence, and systemic inequality firsthand — experiences that would later fuel his passion for breaking barriers.
After moving to California, he married Oracene Price, who had three daughters from a previous marriage. Together, they had Venus and Serena. Williams became fascinated with tennis after watching the sport on television, particularly seeing a match where a female player received a $40,000 check. He believed his daughters could achieve greatness in the sport.
The Vision and the Plan
Richard Williams was not a tennis player himself, but he developed a 78-page blueprint outlining a comprehensive plan to turn Venus and Serena into world champions — before they were even born. He taught himself the game by watching instructional videos and reading books.
Training began in earnest when the girls were very young. Despite being in Compton, California, a neighborhood not associated with elite tennis, Williams used public courts, handmade equipment, and creative drills to shape their fundamentals. His belief in his daughters was unwavering, even in the face of skepticism and racial bias from the predominantly white tennis establishment.
Coaching Career and Achievements
Williams coached Venus and Serena from childhood through their teenage years, emphasizing not just athletic skill but mental strength, discipline, and resilience. Under his guidance:
- Venus Williams turned pro in 1994 and went on to win 7 Grand Slam singles titles.
- Serena Williams debuted in 1995 and became one of the most successful athletes in history, with 23 Grand Slam singles titles.
Richard’s coaching style was unorthodox. He often pulled his daughters out of junior tournaments to protect their mental well-being and academic focus. He also rejected early commercial opportunities, choosing long-term development over short-term gain.
His critics initially labeled him as controlling or unrealistic. Time, however, proved him visionary.
Health Struggles and Reduced Public Life
In recent years, Richard Williams has battled serious health issues. He reportedly suffered a stroke in 2016 and later endured a second stroke, resulting in speech and mobility challenges. He also underwent brain surgery related to these strokes and requires full-time medical attention.
His son, Chavoita Lesane, has been involved in managing his care and affairs, especially during legal proceedings and public matters. Williams no longer makes public appearances, and his health condition limits his ability to engage with the media or fans.
Despite his declining health, family members and close friends describe him as spiritually strong and proud of his daughters’ continued accomplishments.
The “King Richard” Biopic and Public Recognition
In 2021, the world was reintroduced to Richard Williams through the critically acclaimed film King Richard, starring Will Smith in the title role. The film portrayed Richard’s early efforts to train Venus and Serena and focused on his deep belief in their potential despite overwhelming odds.
King Richard was praised for its emotional depth and accuracy, presenting a more compassionate and nuanced view of a man long misunderstood by the media. The film won multiple awards, including Will Smith’s Academy Award for Best Actor.
The movie reignited appreciation for Richard Williams, especially among younger audiences unfamiliar with his behind-the-scenes contributions to sports history.
Legacy in Sports and Culture
Richard Williams’s legacy is more than the sum of Venus and Serena’s titles. He:
- Revolutionized sports parenting by focusing on long-term growth, education, and mental health
- Challenged racial barriers in tennis, paving the way for more diversity in the sport
- Proved that greatness can come from anywhere, even public courts in low-income neighborhoods
- Inspired generations of coaches and parents to believe in the potential of their children
Today, his story is studied and admired not only in athletic circles but in sociology, education, and leadership discussions. He remains a symbol of determination, foresight, and unwavering belief in the power of family.
Personal Life and Family Dynamics
Richard Williams has had a complex personal life. He was married to Oracene Price, the mother of Venus and Serena, but they later divorced. He then married Lakeisha Graham, a woman 37 years younger than him, and had a son named Dylan. That marriage also ended in divorce.
Williams has children from other relationships as well and maintains connections with some of them. Legal issues, including divorce settlements and financial matters, have occasionally made headlines, but these aspects do not define the totality of his contributions or character.
His relationship with Venus and Serena remains strong and respectful. Both daughters have publicly credited him for their success and expressed deep gratitude for his sacrifices and guidance.
Media Portrayal and Evolving Public Perception
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Richard Williams was frequently portrayed by the media as overbearing or eccentric. His refusal to conform to traditional tennis pathways, combined with his outspokenness, made him a controversial figure.
Over time, however, public perception shifted. As Venus and Serena excelled on the global stage and consistently credited their father for his influence, many began to re-evaluate his legacy. Today, he is largely seen as a pioneer who challenged norms and succeeded against enormous odds.
The release of King Richard further helped to humanize his story, showing his vulnerabilities, love, and relentless commitment to his family.
FAQs
Is Richard Williams still alive in 2025?
Yes. Richard Williams is alive as of 2025. He is 83 years old and currently lives under the care of his family due to ongoing health issues.
What is Richard Williams most known for?
He is best known as the father and coach of Venus and Serena Williams, and for revolutionizing the way athletes are developed, especially from underprivileged communities.
Has Richard Williams had health problems?
Yes. He has suffered multiple strokes since 2016 and has undergone brain surgery. His health has significantly limited his public appearances.
What is the movie King Richard about?
King Richard is a biographical film based on Richard Williams’s efforts to train Venus and Serena from a young age. It portrays his vision, challenges, and family dynamics during their rise to prominence.
Is Richard Williams still involved in tennis?
No. Due to his health, he is no longer actively involved in coaching or tennis-related events. However, his philosophy and influence remain integral to Venus and Serena’s continued presence in the sport.
Conclusion
Richard Williams is still alive, but living a quiet and medically supervised life in his later years. Though health challenges have limited his visibility, his legacy as the architect of two of the greatest tennis careers in history remains secure.
He is a visionary who defied expectations, challenged racial and social norms, and proved that excellence can be engineered through belief, hard work, and family support. His story is one of transformation — not just for his daughters, but for the world of sports and those who dare to dream beyond their circumstances.
As Venus and Serena’s careers wind down, the world continues to recognize that the foundation for their greatness was laid by a father who saw possibility where others saw limits. Richard Williams’s life is a testament to vision, perseverance, and generational impact.