Movie Tribute: Robin Williams

It was quite the shocker to discover on Monday that actor/comedian Robin Williams had died at the age of 63 by suicide. He seemed like the happiest/funniest person in the world and his roles always exemplified that persona. I especially remember watching him as a kid, in the many family films such as; Hook, Jumaji, Mrs. Doubtfire, Aladdin, etc. It wasn't until I grew up a bit that I realized he also had a dramatic skill as well, demonstrated in films such as Good Morning Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, Patch Adams, and Good Will Hunting (of which he won the Oscar for).

To lose another great actor like this is truly heartbreaking and demonstrates how fame and fortune aren't all that they seem to be. Robin Williams struggled with drug addiction, alcoholism, and depression throughout his 40 year career as an actor and stand-up comedian. He rose to fame as an alien on the 1978 comedy sitcom Mork and Mindy and his career took off after that. He contributed so much to mainstream and pop culture and his comedic genius will be greatly missed. Each of his roles demonstrated an energetic passion to connect with humans through sincere laughter and happiness. Therefore it is my hope that he will always be remembered for these notable works and is having a good laugh right now in heaven.

Greatest Performances

Movie: Good Morning Vietnam (1987)
Role: Adrian Cronauer

Performance: Robin Williams blends his comedic and dramatic qualities in this true story of a radio personality during the Vietnam War. He quickly gains popularity among the American soldiers for reporting the news with a unique comedic twist. This of course upsets many of his superiors for not following the guidelines. Robin Williams nails this rebellious role, by offering comedy relief during such a dark time of war. This was Robin's dramatic breakthrough and brought him his first Academy Award nomination.

Key Line: "Goooooooooooood Morning Vietnam!!"




Movie: Dead Poets Society (1989)

Role: John Keating

Performance: Williams once again demonstrated his dramatic, rebellious, and comedic qualities in Dead Poets Society. He plays a passionate English teacher at a prep school during 1959, inspiring his students through poetry. He instills in his students a "carpe diem" philosophy; to seize the moment.. However once again, just as in Good Morning Vietnam, his approach is unorthodox. While he is able to inspire his students he receives heavy criticism from his superiors for not following a curriculum. Williams once again wins the heart of the audience by his passionate drive to break the rules in order to connect with people. This performance once again garnered Williams his 2nd Academy Award nomination.

Key Line: "We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering these are all noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman, "O me! O Life! of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless; of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?" Answer. That you are here; That life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?"    


Movie: Aladdin (1992)
Role: Genie

Performance: This Walt Disney animation became a classic, much thanks to the vocal performance of Robin Williams as the Genie. The story revolves around Aladdin a poor boy who falls for a princess, and whose fortune turns once he meets a Genie who can grant him 3 wishes. Robin William's Genie is truly original a wise-cracking, musical, and sincere character. This portrayal became an instant classic and won the hearts of millions of children and families alike.

Key Line: "You aint never had a friend like me"



Movie: Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Role: Mrs. Doubtfire

Performance: Robin once again created a classic character in the family comedy film of Mrs. Doubtfire. As a divorced father, he attempts to spend more time with his children, by taking on the persona of Mrs. Doubtfire, a British housekeeper. It's the perfect recipe for comedy, as Robin Williams struggles to convince everyone that he is an old British woman. I especially remember watching this film as a kid with my cousins and brothers and all the hilarious laughs it brought.

Key Line: "If you like that handsome rugged type; personally I prefer short, furry, and funny."


Movie: Jumanji (1995)
Role: Alan Parrish

Performance: Yet another family classic for Robin Williams, in the fantasy adventure of Jumanji. He plays the lead role of Alan Parrish, a person trapped in the board game of Jumaji for 26 years. Once he is freed he is intent to finish the game so that he can go back to his old life. It is full of hilarious and exciting situations each time the dice is rolled. Growing up as a kid this was always one of my favorite movies to watch due to the exciting and comedic performance of Robin Williams.

Key Line: "You think that mosquitoes, monkeys, and lions are bad? That is just the beginning. I've seen things you've only seen in your nightmares. Things you can't even imagine. Things you can't even see. There are things that hunt you in the night. Then something screams. Then you hear them eating, and you hope to God that your not dessert. Afraid? You don't even know what afraid is. You would not last five minutes without me.


Movie: Good Will Hunting (1997)

Role: Dr. Sean Maguire

Performance: This performance as a psychologist, won Robin Williams his first Oscar after 3 previous nominations. He plays a wise old scruffy therapist to a troubled young genius, played by Matt Damon. Williams is able to once again take his character beyond the conventional, by bending the rules of common therapy to connect with his patient. In doing so, Williams shares his past troubles with his patient in order to get to Matt Damon's character. He is able to connect with the troubled Damon, whilst winning the admiration of the audience.

Key Line: "It's not your fault"



Movie: Patch Adams (1998)

Role: Dr. Hunter Patch Adams

Performance: Based on another true story, Robin Williams is once again able to easily associate with this doctor who breaks the rules. As a medical student, Dr. Patch Adams takes an unusual approach in his practice by connecting with his patients through comedy. He believes that through a sense of humor, he can better connect with sick people. He even goes as far to make scientific claims and start up his own clinics that specialize in this form of treatment. As per usual he receives heavy criticism for these unorthodox practices. However in the end, this role once again demonstrate Robin Williams consistent passion to care and connect with people.  

Key Line: "You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you you'll win, no matter what the outcome." 



Movie: What Dreams May Come (1998)
Role: Chris Nielsen

Performance: Perhaps one of my favorite of Robin William's films is the Adaptation of What Dreams May Come. This is a philosophical drama that makes reference to Dante's Divine Comedy; a journey into heaven and hell. Robin Williams is the ideal choice for this central character who goes on an emotional roller coaster. After a terrible death he is welcomed into heaven, a dreamworld of bliss where anything is possible. However he later discovers that his wife has committed suicide and he is devastated. In the utmost act of love, he journeys into hell to be with her. This act of devotion and unification of two souls, is enough to reunite them in the end. Robin Williams' character is the embodiment of love, joy, and happiness.

Key Line: "A whole human life is just a heartbeat in heaven. Then we'll all be together forever." 

Other Notable Roles:

Awakenings (1990)
The Fisher King (1991)
Hook (1991)
Nine Months (1995)
Happy Feet (2006) 
August Rush (2007)