Which one is your favorite?
An actor who made us roll on the floor with laughter and one who moved us to tears: Robin Williams is absolutely irreplaceable. The legendary comedian sadly passed away in 2014, but why does it still hurt like it was yesterday? He was only 63 years old at the time. As sad as his death was to his millions of fans worldwide, he will forever be remembered for his incredible performances on screen. Heartwarming and hilarious, many of his films left an unforgettable mark on us. So let's take a look at some of his best movie roles over the years.
What's particularly impressive about Williams' role as the Genie is that a lot of material was off-the-cuff. His comedic genius and impressions were so impressive that Disney animator Ron Clements who co-directed the 1992 film said that Robin ended up recording about six to eight four-hour sessions. "It was a marvel to watch him do his thing. It’s a very fond memory of watching a true comic genius at work. Robin changed the way animated films were perceived. His brilliant comedy brought an adult appeal to animation that was new at the time," he shared.
This critically-acclaimed movie sees Williams as Sean Maguire, a therapist who helps Will Hunting, a genius in mathematics. Williams won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1997 movie.
Robin Williams is a radio DJ on Armed Forces Radio Service and becomes hugely popular with the troops. Like many of his movies, he's once again someone who pushes boundaries and rules. While his superiors aren't pleased with his humor, he manages to cheer up and bring back some happiness into the soldiers' lives.
The 1989 drama sees Williams as an inspiring, not-your-ordinary English teacher at an all-boys school. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards including his nomination for Best Actor.
The comedian plays a freelance voice actor who loves his three children, Lydia, Chris, and Natalie in this film. His wife sees him as an unreliable, man-child and files for divorce. In an attempt to win back his family, he disguises himself as the now-iconic nanny. The endearing and funny 1993 American comedy-drama film was directed by Chris Columbus.
Insomnia is a 2002 American psychological thriller film directed by Christopher Nolan. Proving that his acting skills have a massive range, Williams' character is the prime suspect in the murder of a teen-girl and Al Pacino plays the veteran detective sent to solve the case.
This drama is set in the 60s and features Williams and Robert De Niro. Williams plays the role of Dr. Malcolm Sayer who is an optimistic neurologist working on treatments for Parkinson's Disease. De Niro's character, Leonard Lowe, is being treated by Sayer and the two eventually get to know each other better. A very moving film!
The 1991 American comedy-drama film sees Williams as a homeless man named Parry. The film director and Monty Python member Terry Gilliam said that seeing the film more recently was “exhilarating because there was Robin — alive and well... It is the whole breadth of Robin, which no other part I think out there does. From the hysterically funny to the manic to the utterly sweet to the sensitive and tormented, it’s all there.”
The actor was clearly made to do animation films too. In this film, he does the voices of Lovelace and Ramon, working alongside Elijah Wood (Mumble) and Brittany Murphy (Gloria).
Another movie that showcases the actor's incredible range. One Hour Photo is a 2002 American psychological thriller film. The movie tells the story of Seymour "Sy" Parrish, who works behind the photo counter and has been developing photographs for the Yorkin family since their son was a baby. When Sy discovers the family's dark secret, a bizarre confrontation follows.
Share on Facebook
