So, I’m scrolling through old YouTube videos at 2 AM (because that’s when all good life decisions are made), and I stumble on a grainy clip of the 1999 US Open. Venus is serving, looking like a gazelle in a tiara, and the camera cuts to the stands. There he is—Richard Williams, grinning like he just swallowed a canary. It hit me: wait, is that guy still around? We hear about Serena and Venus constantly, but their dad Richard has been off the grid for a while. Let’s dig into the mystery, shall we?
The Short Answer: Yes, He’s Alive
Let me save you the Google tab—Richard Williams is still alive as of 2025. He turned 83 in February. Yes, you’re reading that right: the man who wrote a 78-page plan for his daughters’ tennis careers before they could walk is still kicking. Barely, in some reports, but he’s here.
But here’s the thing—he’s not exactly courtside anymore. If you picture him like he was in King Richard (Will Smith’s Oscar-winning role), you’re living in 1995. Today, Richard is more of a quiet legend, dealing with some serious health stuff. Stroke in 2016, plus a few other ailments. He’s out in Florida, mostly keeping to himself.
Must Read
What Happened to the “Master Plan” Guy?
You remember the stories, right? Richard taught himself tennis by watching books and videos, then coached two of the greatest players ever. The man was a force of nature—loud, confident, and absolutely bonkers in the best way. He’d show up to junior tournaments in a beat-up van and trash-talk other parents. It was wild.
But after Venus and Serena went pro and won everything, Richard stepped back. Like, hard. He divorced their mother, Oracene, in 2002, and later remarried a woman named Lakeisha, who’s actually younger than Venus. (I know, I know—we all did a double-take on that one.) He had a son with her, too. Let’s just say the family dynamic got… complicated.
Venus Williams Dad Serena Venus Williams Father Hi Res Stock
These days, you won’t see him at Wimbledon. In fact, Serena and Venus rarely mention him in interviews. Not out of drama, I think—more like he’s just not part of their daily orbit. He’s like that eccentric uncle who lives in a different state and you only see at Thanksgiving. If that.
The Health Scare That Made Headlines
In 2016, Richard suffered a major stroke that left him with some memory loss. For a minute, people thought he might not make it. He did recover, but slowly. He’s quoted as saying, “I’m still here. God’s not done with me.” That’s classic Richard—turning a health crisis into a personal rallying cry.
Meet Richard Williams III: Father of Venus and Serena Williams, Age
He also had a few run-ins with the law (like a 2013 speeding ticket and a weird theft accusation), which haven’t helped his public image. But let’s be real: the guy is 83. He’s earned the right to be a little cranky and forgetful.
What Does He Do Now? (Spoiler: Not Much Tennis)
Here’s the irony—Richard Williams, the man who built a tennis empire, doesn’t really watch tennis. He’s said in interviews that he finds it boring now. Can you blame him? When your kids have won 30 Grand Slams combined, watching other people play must feel like watching a cover band.
Father Of Williams
He spends his time on other projects. He’s written a few books, dabbled in acting (he had a cameo in The Legend of Bagger Vance), and apparently runs a small business in Florida. Mostly, he just wants to be left alone. No reality shows, no tell-all interviews. Just Richard, chilling.
The Big Question: Will We See Him Again?
At this point, probably not in a big way. He made a rare public appearance at the 2022 ESPYs when Venus and Serena were honored, but he didn’t speak. He just sat there, looking frail but proud. It was kind of sweet, honestly. Like a retired king watching his queens from the balcony.
Who are Serena Williams’ parents? latest information about them 2024
And let’s be honest—if you were him, would you want to relive the circus? He’s already won. His daughters are billionaires, they’ve changed the sport, and they’ve got their own lives. Richard’s job is done. He can nap in the Florida sun knowing he pulled off the greatest parenting heist in sports history.
So, Is the Dad Alive?
Yes. Richard Williams is alive, but he’s not the loud, track-suited hustler of the 1990s. He’s an old man with a complicated legacy, a few regrets, and a whole lot of peace. Honestly? Good for him. He deserves the quiet.
Next time you see Serena playing a final or Venus walking a red carpet, give a little nod to the guy who made it all happen—probably from his couch in Florida, not giving a single damn. Legend.