Robin Williams’ Career: From ‘Can I Do It… ‘Til I Need Glasses?’ to ‘A Merry Friggin’ Christmas’
Robin Williams was a once-in-a-generation talent, a comedic force of nature whose manic energy was matched only by his profound dramatic depth. Bursting onto the scene from the world of stand-up comedy and television, he became a household name with his star-making role in ‘Mork & Mindy’. His mind worked at lightning speed, producing a seemingly endless stream of characters, voices, and improvisations that left audiences breathless with laughter.
But to only remember Williams for his comedy would be to miss half of his genius. He was a classically trained actor who could channel his immense energy into quiet, heartbreaking performances. He earned multiple Academy Award nominations and one win, proving he was just as capable of moving audiences to tears as he was of making them laugh. His filmography is a testament to his incredible range, a collection of work that showcases one of the most versatile and beloved performers in movie history.
Can I Do It Till I Need Glasses? (1977)
Robin Williams made his feature film debut in the sketch comedy movie ‘Can I Do It… ‘Til I Need Glasses?’. The film is a collection of short, unrelated skits centered around adult themes. Williams appeared in two small segments, playing a lawyer in one and a man with a toothache in another.
This was a very minor entry into the world of film for the young comedian, who was still primarily known for his stand-up work at the time. The role offered a brief glimpse of his energetic style, but it gave no indication of the massive stardom that was just around the corner.
Popeye (1980)
Williams landed his first major leading role in a feature film playing the iconic cartoon sailor in ‘Popeye’. Directed by Robert Altman, the live-action musical brought the world of Popeye, Olive Oyl, and Bluto to life. Williams perfectly captured the character’s unique voice, squint, and mumbling speech patterns.
The film was a large-scale production with elaborate sets and musical numbers. While it received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since gained a cult following. Williams’ committed and physically demanding performance as the spinach-eating sailor was a true showcase of his unique talents.
The World According to Garp (1982)
In his first major dramatic role, Williams played T.S. Garp in the film adaptation of John Irving’s acclaimed novel, ‘The World According to Garp’. The film follows the strange and eventful life of Garp, from his unusual conception to his career as a writer and his relationships with his feminist mother and his family.
This role was a crucial turning point, proving that Williams was more than just a manic comedian. He delivered a nuanced and heartfelt performance that captured the full range of his character’s life experiences. The film was a critical success and showed that Williams had serious potential as a dramatic actor.
The Survivors (1983)
Williams starred alongside Walter Matthau in the comedy ‘The Survivors’. The film follows two men who lose their jobs on the same day and meet while waiting in an unemployment line. After they thwart a robbery, they find themselves targeted by the hitman they helped put away, leading them to enroll in a survivalist training camp.
The movie was a dark comedy that satirized gun culture and the anxieties of modern life. It paired Williams’ frenetic energy with Matthau’s grumpy, world-weary persona, creating a fun and chaotic comedic duo.
Moscow on the Hudson (1984)
In ‘Moscow on the Hudson’, Williams played Vladimir Ivanov, a musician with the Moscow circus who decides to defect to the United States during a tour stop in New York City. He impulsively makes his bid for freedom in the middle of Bloomingdale’s department store and begins the difficult journey of building a new life as an immigrant.
Williams learned to speak Russian and play the saxophone for the role. His performance was praised for its warmth and humanity, capturing both the humor and the heartbreak of the immigrant experience. It was a thoughtful and moving performance that earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
The Best of Times (1986)
Williams co-starred with Kurt Russell in the comedy ‘The Best of Times’. Williams played Jack Dundee, a man who is still haunted by dropping the winning touchdown pass in a high school football game years earlier. He concocts a scheme to reunite his old team and replay the big game against their archrivals.
The film is a heartfelt comedy about regret and second chances. Williams’ character is a man obsessed with rewriting the past, and his energetic and desperate attempts to rally the town provide much of the film’s humor.
Club Paradise (1986)
In ‘Club Paradise’, Williams played Jack Moniker, a Chicago firefighter who gets injured and uses his insurance money to move to a small Caribbean island. He partners with a reggae musician to turn a rundown resort into a tourist club, but they are met with a series of comical disasters and difficult guests.
The film was a laid-back comedy with an ensemble cast that included Peter O’Toole and Jimmy Cliff. It gave Williams the chance to play a more relaxed, everyman character reacting to the chaos around him.
Seize the Day (1986)
In this film adaptation of Saul Bellow’s novel, Williams took on the dramatic role of Tommy Wilhelm. The story follows a man in his forties who is having a day of reckoning, dealing with unemployment, a failed marriage, and a strained relationship with his father, all while he foolishly invests his last remaining savings.
This was a serious and intense role for Williams, allowing him to explore themes of failure and existential crisis. The film was a small, independent production that showcased his commitment to taking on challenging dramatic work outside of the Hollywood mainstream.
Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)
Williams delivered a true star-making performance as Adrian Cronauer, a rebellious and irreverent DJ for the Armed Forces Radio Service in Vietnam. His hilarious on-air antics and love of rock and roll make him a huge hit with the troops, but his anti-authoritarian style puts him at odds with his rigid superiors.
The role was the perfect vehicle for Williams’ talents, allowing him to unleash his trademark improvisational comedy during the radio broadcast scenes while also handling the dramatic weight of the story. The performance earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and cemented his status as a major movie star.
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
In Terry Gilliam’s fantasy epic ‘The Adventures of Baron Munchausen’, Williams made a memorable, uncredited cameo as the King of the Moon. His character is a giant, floating head who can detach from his body and has a complicated relationship with the Queen of the Moon. Due to a disagreement with the studio, Williams was credited under the name Ray D. Tutto.
His performance was a whirlwind of frantic energy and rapid-fire dialogue. Despite his short screen time, his bizarre and hilarious cameo is one of the most talked-about parts of the film.
Portrait of a White Marriage (1988)
Williams made a brief, uncredited cameo as an air conditioning salesman in this satirical comedy. The film is a mockumentary about a quirky, modern couple living in Los Angeles.
His appearance was a small, funny moment in a low-budget independent film. It was a favor to the filmmakers and another example of his willingness to support smaller projects.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Williams gave one of his most iconic and beloved performances as John Keating in ‘Dead Poets Society’. He played an unconventional English teacher at a stuffy, conservative boarding school in the 1950s. He inspires his students to “seize the day” and to find their own voice through the power of poetry.
The role was a perfect blend of Williams’ comedic energy and his dramatic sincerity. His inspirational performance as the passionate teacher earned him his second Academy Award nomination and moved a generation of viewers.
Cadillac Man (1990)
In the comedy ‘Cadillac Man’, Williams played Joey O’Brien, a fast-talking car salesman whose life is spiraling out of control. He has two days to sell twelve cars, or he will lose his job, all while juggling two mistresses and a large debt to the mob.
The film was a frantic and dark comedy. Williams’ performance captured the desperation of a man trying to talk his way through a life that is falling apart at the seams.
Awakenings (1990)
Williams starred opposite Robert De Niro in the powerful drama ‘Awakenings’. Based on a true story, Williams played Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy and dedicated physician who discovers a new drug that can “awaken” patients who have been in a catatonic state for decades.
It was a quiet, gentle, and deeply moving performance from Williams, and he earned widespread critical acclaim for his work. He held his own opposite the legendary De Niro, proving once again that his dramatic talents were just as formidable as his comedic ones.
Shakes the Clown (1991)
In this dark comedy directed by Bobcat Goldthwait, Williams made a cameo appearance as a mime class instructor named Jerry. To avoid drawing attention from his own celebrity, he was credited under the pseudonym Marty Fromage.
The film is a satire of the stand-up comedy scene, with different types of entertainers represented as clown factions. Williams’ appearance as the pretentious mime teacher was a hilarious inside joke for comedy fans.
Dead Again (1991)
Williams had a small but crucial uncredited role in Kenneth Branagh’s stylish thriller ‘Dead Again’. He played Doctor Cozy Carlisle, a disgraced former psychiatrist who now works in a supermarket. He provides a key piece of information that helps the main characters unravel the film’s central mystery.
Even in a brief appearance, Williams created a memorable and quirky character. His scene provided a moment of levity in an otherwise tense and dramatic film.
The Fisher King (1991)
In ‘The Fisher King’, Williams played Parry, a homeless man who lives in a rich fantasy world to cope with a past trauma. He was once a professor whose wife was tragically killed, and he now believes he is a knight on a quest for the Holy Grail. He is helped by a cynical, disgraced radio DJ who was indirectly responsible for his wife’s death.
The role allowed Williams to use his full range of talents, from manic comedy to heartbreaking pathos. His brilliant and deeply emotional performance earned him his third Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Hook (1991)
In Steven Spielberg’s fantasy adventure ‘Hook’, Williams played a grown-up Peter Pan. His character, Peter Banning, is a workaholic lawyer who has forgotten his past. When his children are kidnapped by Captain Hook, he must return to Neverland and rediscover his inner child to save them.
The film was a massive spectacle that allowed Williams to portray the ultimate journey from cynical adult back to the spirit of youth. It has become a beloved classic for many who grew up in the 90s.
FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992)
Williams lent his voice to the animated film ‘FernGully: The Last Rainforest’. He voiced Batty Koda, a fruit bat who was experimented on by humans and now has a frantic, unstable personality. He helps the fairies of the rainforest fight back against a destructive logging operation.
The role was a perfect fit for Williams’ improvisational genius. Much of Batty’s dialogue was ad-libbed by Williams, and his hilarious and energetic performance is a major highlight of the film.
Aladdin (1992)
Williams created one of the most iconic voice performances in film history as the Genie in Disney’s ‘Aladdin’. As the larger-than-life, shape-shifting Genie of the lamp, Williams unleashed a whirlwind of celebrity impressions, pop culture references, and non-stop jokes.
His performance completely revolutionized the role of celebrity voice acting in animation. The Genie was a character made possible only by Williams’ unique comedic mind, and his work on the film is legendary.
Toys (1992)
In the whimsical fantasy film ‘Toys’, Williams played Leslie Zevo. He is the playful and childlike son of a toy factory owner. When his father dies, control of the factory is passed to his militaristic uncle, who begins to manufacture war toys, forcing Leslie to fight to save his father’s gentle legacy.
The film was a visual spectacle with a unique, surrealist style. Williams’ performance as the innocent and kind-hearted man-child was the heart of this unusual and imaginative movie.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Williams starred in one of his most beloved and famous roles in ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’. He played Daniel Hillard, a loving but irresponsible father who, after a messy divorce, disguises himself as an elderly Scottish nanny to spend time with his children. Williams also served as a producer on the film.
The role allowed Williams to showcase his incredible physical comedy and his talent for creating memorable characters. His transformation into Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire is iconic, and the film was a massive box-office success, celebrated for its humor and its heart.
Being Human (1994)
‘Being Human’ was an experimental film that followed one soul through five different historical eras. Williams played the central character, named Hector in one segment, as he experiences life as a caveman, a Roman slave, a medieval traveler, a man in the 16th century, and a modern man in New York.
The film was an ambitious project that explored what it means to be human across different time periods. It was a challenging and unconventional role for Williams.
Nine Months (1995)
In the comedy ‘Nine Months’, Williams had a scene-stealing supporting role as Dr. Kosevich. He is an eccentric and clumsy Russian obstetrician who delivers the main characters’ baby.
Even with limited screen time, Williams’ hilarious performance was a major highlight of the film. His frantic and physically comedic portrayal of the foreign doctor left audiences in stitches.
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)
Williams made a brief, uncredited cameo appearance in this comedy about three drag queens on a road trip. In the film’s opening scene, he appears as John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt, a man in New York City.
His appearance was a fun surprise for audiences and another example of his willingness to make small appearances in films he supported.
Jumanji (1995)
In the fantasy adventure ‘Jumanji’, Williams played Alan Parrish. As a young boy, he is sucked into a magical and dangerous jungle board game. He is finally released 26 years later, when two new children start playing the game, and he must help them finish it to reverse all the chaos it has unleashed.
The film was a thrilling and imaginative adventure that blended comedy, action, and suspense. Williams was perfect as the man-child who had survived for decades in a hostile jungle, bringing both wild energy and emotional depth to the role.
The Birdcage (1996)
Williams starred in the hit comedy ‘The Birdcage’. He played Armand Goldman, the owner of a drag cabaret in South Beach. His life is thrown into chaos when his son announces he is marrying the daughter of a conservative, right-wing politician, and they must pretend to be a “normal” family for one night.
The film was a celebrated remake of the French farce ‘La Cage aux Folles’. Williams played the “straight man” to Nathan Lane’s more flamboyant character, showcasing his skill as a generous comedic partner and a grounding force in the film’s hilarious chaos.
Jack (1996)
In ‘Jack’, Williams played Jack Powell, a boy who suffers from a rare aging disorder that makes his body age four times faster than normal. The film follows him as he tries to experience a normal childhood, attending public school for the first time as a ten-year-old in the body of a forty-year-old man.
The role required Williams to portray the innocence and wonder of a child in an adult’s body. The film, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, was a sentimental story about living life to the fullest, no matter how short it may be.
Aladdin and the King of Thieves (1996)
After a much-publicized dispute with Disney over the marketing of the first ‘Aladdin’, Williams returned to voice the Genie in the direct-to-video sequel, ‘Aladdin and the King of Thieves’. In this installment, Aladdin finally meets his long-lost father, who is the leader of the infamous Forty Thieves.
Williams’ return was a welcome one for fans of the original. He once again brought his signature manic energy and improvisational brilliance to the beloved character.
The Secret Agent (1996)
In this dark thriller, Williams had a small, uncredited, and chilling role as “The Professor.” His character is a creepy and unstable bomb-maker. The film is an adaptation of a Joseph Conrad novel about espionage and terrorism in 19th-century London.
Playing a sinister and dangerous character was a stark contrast to his more lovable roles. It was a brief but powerful performance that showcased his ability to be genuinely unsettling.
Hamlet (1996)
In Kenneth Branagh’s full-length, four-hour adaptation of ‘Hamlet’, Williams had a supporting role as the foppish courtier Osric. His character delivers the challenge for the final duel between Hamlet and Laertes.
Williams played the part with comedic flair, adding a touch of levity to the tragic proceedings. His inclusion in the all-star cast was a testament to his versatility and his respect for classical material.
Fathers’ Day (1997)
Williams co-starred with Billy Crystal in the comedy ‘Fathers’ Day’. They play two complete strangers who are tricked by a woman from their past into believing that one of them is the father of her runaway teenage son. They team up to find the boy, leading to a series of misadventures.
The film brought together two of the biggest comedy stars of the era. It was a fun road-trip comedy that played on their different comedic styles.
Deconstructing Harry (1997)
In Woody Allen’s film ‘Deconstructing Harry’, Williams had a memorable cameo as Mel, an actor who is literally out of focus. The surreal comedy is about a writer whose life is falling apart, and Williams’ character is a physical manifestation of a film-related joke.
His brief appearance was a clever and funny moment in a film filled with creative and bizarre concepts.
Flubber (1997)
Williams starred in this remake of the classic Disney film ‘The Absent-Minded Professor’. He played Professor Philip Brainard, a brilliant but forgetful scientist who invents a revolutionary new substance: a green, flying rubber, or “Flubber.”
The film was a slapstick-heavy family comedy that allowed Williams to indulge in plenty of physical humor. It was a modern update of a beloved classic, filled with special effects and chaotic fun.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Williams won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his powerful performance in ‘Good Will Hunting’. He played Sean Maguire, a compassionate therapist who is also struggling with his own past grief. He is tasked with helping Will Hunting, a troubled young man from South Boston who is also a mathematical genius.
It was a beautifully restrained and deeply emotional performance. The famous park bench scene and his repeated line, “It’s not your fault,” became iconic moments in film history. The Oscar win was the crowning achievement of his dramatic acting career.
What Dreams May Come (1998)
In ‘What Dreams May Come’, Williams played Chris Nielsen, a doctor who dies in a car accident and finds himself in a beautiful, personalized afterlife that is like one of his wife’s paintings. When his grief-stricken wife takes her own life and is sent to a different realm, he embarks on a perilous journey through the afterlife to save her.
The film is famous for its stunning, award-winning visual effects that created a unique and painterly vision of heaven and hell. Williams gave a deeply emotional performance as a man whose love transcends even death.
Patch Adams (1998)
Based on a true story, this film starred Williams as Hunter “Patch” Adams. He is a medical student who believes that humor and compassion are just as important as medicine in treating patients. He challenges the stuffy medical establishment by using unconventional, comedic methods to bring joy to the sick and dying.
The film was a huge box-office success, though it received mixed reviews from critics. It was a sentimental and inspirational story that was a perfect fit for Williams’ ability to blend comedy with heartfelt emotion.
Jakob the Liar (1999)
In this drama set during World War II, Williams played Jakob Heym, a Jewish shopkeeper living in a Polish ghetto. He accidentally overhears a radio broadcast with good news about the war and begins to invent more stories to give hope to the desperate residents of the ghetto. Williams also served as an executive producer on the film.
The film was a dark comedy-drama that explored the power of hope in the bleakest of circumstances. It was a serious and challenging role for Williams, requiring him to balance moments of humor with the grim reality of the Holocaust.
Bicentennial Man (1999)
In ‘Bicentennial Man’, Williams played Andrew Martin, an android purchased as a household appliance. Over the course of 200 years, he begins to experience emotions and creative thought, and embarks on a long journey to become fully human.
The film was a sweeping science-fiction drama that followed one character across two centuries. Williams gave a sensitive performance, portraying Andrew’s gradual transformation from machine to man with subtlety and grace.
Get Bruce! (1999)
Williams appeared as himself in the documentary ‘Get Bruce’. The film is about Bruce Vilanch, a famous comedy writer who has written material for many celebrities and major awards shows, including the Oscars.
Williams, a frequent collaborator with Vilanch, shared his experiences working with the comedy writer. His appearance was a tribute to an influential but often behind-the-scenes figure in the world of comedy.
A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
In Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi epic ‘A.I. Artificial Intelligence’, Williams had a voice-only cameo role. He voiced Dr. Know, a holographic, animated search engine who provides information to the film’s main character, the android boy David.
His performance was a fast-talking, quiz-show-host-style delivery that was a perfect fit for the all-knowing digital character. It was another memorable voice role in his long career.
One Hour Photo (2002)
Williams gave one of the most chilling and acclaimed performances of his career in the psychological thriller ‘One Hour Photo’. He played Seymour “Sy” Parrish, a lonely and obsessive photo technician at a one-hour photo lab. He becomes dangerously fixated on a suburban family whose pictures he has been developing for years.
It was a stunning dramatic turn against type. Williams completely submerged himself in the quiet, creepy, and deeply pathetic character, creating an unforgettable and deeply unsettling portrait of loneliness.
Death to Smoochy (2002)
In the dark comedy ‘Death to Smoochy’, Williams played “Rainbow” Randolph Smiley, the corrupt and mentally unstable former host of a popular children’s television show. After being fired for taking bribes, he plots his revenge against his squeaky-clean replacement, Smoochy the Rhino.
The film was a scathing satire of the world of children’s entertainment. Williams was hilarious and terrifying as the disgraced, spandex-wearing kids’ show host on a downward spiral.
Insomnia (2002)
In the thriller ‘Insomnia’, directed by Christopher Nolan, Williams played the film’s villain, Walter Finch. Finch is a reclusive mystery writer and the prime suspect in a murder investigation being conducted by a sleep-deprived detective, played by Al Pacino. The two engage in a tense psychological cat-and-mouse game.
Once again playing against type, Williams was quietly menacing and intelligent as the killer. His calm and calculated performance made the character even more unsettling, and he proved to be a formidable on-screen opponent for Al Pacino.
The Final Cut (2004)
In the science-fiction thriller ‘The Final Cut’, Williams played Alan W. Hakman. In this future world, implanted memory recorders capture a person’s entire life. Alan is a “cutter,” an editor who assembles a memorial film from a person’s memories after they die, but he is haunted by a memory from his own past.
The film was a moody and philosophical thriller that explored themes of memory, guilt, and privacy. Williams gave a subdued and introspective performance as a man whose job is to literally edit people’s lives.
House of D (2004)
In ‘House of D’, Williams had a supporting role as Pappass, a mentally challenged janitor who befriends a young boy in 1970s New York City. The film, written and directed by David Duchovny, is a coming-of-age story about a man reflecting on his childhood.
Williams’ performance was gentle and touching. He created a memorable and heartwarming character who serves as a loyal friend to the film’s young protagonist.
Noel (2004)
Williams had a small, uncredited role as a former priest named Charlie Boyd in the Christmas-themed drama ‘Noel’. The film is an ensemble piece that follows the interconnected stories of several New Yorkers on Christmas Eve.
His character appears in a hospital and has a pivotal, mysterious encounter with one of the main characters, played by Susan Sarandon.
Robots (2005)
Williams returned to voice acting in the animated film ‘Robots’. He voiced Fender Pinwheeler, a fast-talking, rickety, and wisecracking robot who befriends the film’s hero, Rodney Copperbottom.
The role of Fender was another perfect vehicle for Williams’ comedic energy and improvisational skills. He brought the funny and loyal robot to life with his signature brand of manic humor.
The Big White (2005)
In the dark comedy ‘The Big White’, Williams played Paul Barnell, a travel agent in Alaska who is in serious financial trouble. He tries to solve his money problems by claiming a dead body he finds is his long-lost brother in order to cash in a life insurance policy.
The film was a quirky crime comedy with a snowy, noir-ish feel. It featured a strong ensemble cast, including Holly Hunter and Woody Harrelson.
The Aristocrats (2005)
Williams was one of many comedians featured in the documentary ‘The Aristocrats’. The film is centered entirely on comedians telling their own version of a famously obscene and transgressive inside joke.
Williams’ version of the joke was, unsurprisingly, a tour de force of improvisation, character, and manic energy. His segment was a highlight of the film and a perfect example of his unique comedic mind at work.
The Night Listener (2006)
In the psychological thriller ‘The Night Listener’, Williams played Gabriel Noone, a late-night radio host who tells stories on the air. He develops a phone relationship with a young fan and his adoptive mother, but he begins to suspect that the boy may not actually exist.
The film was a tense and atmospheric thriller based on a novel by Armistead Maupin. Williams gave a subtle and paranoid performance as a man unsure of what is real and what is not.
RV (2006)
In the family comedy ‘RV’, Williams played Bob Munro, an overworked executive who cancels his family’s Hawaiian vacation in favor of a road trip in a massive recreational vehicle. The trip is filled with comical disasters as the family tries to navigate life on the road and deal with their quirky fellow travelers.
The film was a broad, slapstick-heavy comedy that allowed Williams to play the exasperated but loving family man, a role he excelled at throughout his career.
Everyone’s Hero (2006)
Williams had an uncredited voice role in the animated children’s film ‘Everyone’s Hero’. He voiced the character of Napoleon Cross, the scheming general manager of the Chicago Cubs.
The film was a passion project of the late Christopher Reeve, and Williams’ participation was a gesture of support for his friend’s final project.
Man of the Year (2006)
In this political satire, Williams played Tom Dobbs, the host of a popular political talk show. As a joke, he decides to run for President of the United States, but due to a computer glitch, he actually wins. He must then navigate the absurd reality of his new position.
The film was a comedy that explored the worlds of politics and media. It was a perfect vehicle for Williams to deliver his signature political commentary and observational humor.
Happy Feet (2006)
Williams provided the voices for two different characters in the Oscar-winning animated film ‘Happy Feet’. He voiced Ramon, the charismatic and funny leader of a group of Adélie penguins, and Lovelace, the rockhopper penguin guru with a soda-can ring around his neck.
His dual performance was a highlight of the film, showcasing his incredible vocal versatility. He brought humor and heart to both characters, helping to make the film a massive international success.
Night at the Museum (2006)
In the hit family adventure ‘Night at the Museum’, Williams played a wax figure of President Theodore Roosevelt that comes to life at night. He serves as a mentor and guide to the new night guard, played by Ben Stiller, helping him to control the chaotic museum exhibits.
Williams’ portrayal of the larger-than-life historical figure was full of gusto and charm. The film was a huge box-office hit, and his role as the heroic Roosevelt became one of his most popular later-career performances.
License to Wed (2007)
In this romantic comedy, Williams played Reverend Frank, an unconventional minister who puts an engaged couple through a rigorous and bizarre marriage preparation course. If they cannot pass his tests, he refuses to marry them.
The film was a lighthearted comedy that gave Williams the chance to play a mischievous and meddling character who creates a series of comical obstacles for the main couple.
August Rush (2007)
In ‘August Rush’, Williams played Maxwell “Wizard” Wallace, a mysterious and manipulative man who runs a shelter for homeless musical prodigies in New York City. He takes the film’s main character, a young musical genius, under his wing, but he also exploits his talent for his own gain.
It was a complex, morally ambiguous role for Williams. He played the character with a mix of charm and menace, creating a memorable and theatrical figure.
World’s Greatest Dad (2009)
In the extremely dark comedy ‘World’s Greatest Dad’, Williams played Lance Clayton. He is a high school poetry teacher and failed writer whose obnoxious son dies in an embarrassing accident. To cover up the cause of death, he fakes a suicide note, which is so profound that it gets published and turns his son into a posthumous cult hero.
The film was a biting satire of fame, media, and our obsession with tragedy. Williams’ performance was brave and brilliant, navigating the film’s very dark humor with incredible skill.
Shrink (2009)
Williams had a supporting role as Jack Holden in the independent drama ‘Shrink’. The film stars Kevin Spacey as a therapist to the stars in Hollywood who is dealing with his own personal tragedy. Williams played one of his celebrity patients.
His role was a small but impactful part of the ensemble cast.
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009)
Williams reprised his role as the adventurous wax figure of Theodore Roosevelt in the sequel ‘Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian’. This time, the action moves to Washington D.C., as the magical tablet that brings the exhibits to life is moved to the Smithsonian Institution.
He once again served as a heroic guide and mentor in the new, larger adventure. The film was another huge box-office success.
Old Dogs (2009)
Williams co-starred with John Travolta in the family comedy ‘Old Dogs’. They play two best friends and business partners whose lives are turned upside down when they are unexpectedly forced to take care of seven-year-old twins.
The film was a broad comedy filled with slapstick humor, relying on the chemistry between its two famous leads.
Happy Feet Two (2011)
Williams returned to voice his two popular characters, Ramon and Lovelace, in the animated sequel ‘Happy Feet Two’. In this installment, a new threat endangers the penguin nation, and everyone must work together to save their home.
He once again brought his incredible vocal energy to both roles, adding humor and heart to the animated adventure. He also served as the film’s narrator.
The Big Wedding (2013)
In the ensemble comedy ‘The Big Wedding’, Williams played Father Monighan, the priest who is set to officiate the film’s central wedding. The story follows a large, dysfunctional family as they try to survive the wedding weekend.
His role as the patient and often exasperated priest provided some of the film’s comedic highlights. He was part of an all-star cast that included Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, and Susan Sarandon.
The Butler (2013)
In Lee Daniels’ historical drama ‘The Butler’, Williams portrayed President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The film tells the story of a White House butler who served eight American presidents over three decades. Williams was part of a large cast of actors who played the various historical figures.
His performance captured the look and mannerisms of the 34th U.S. President. It was another example of his ability to disappear into a character, even a well-known historical one.
The Face of Love (2013)
In the drama ‘The Face of Love’, Williams had a supporting role as Roger. The film stars Annette Bening as a woman who, several years after her husband’s death, meets a man who is his perfect double. Williams played her neighbor and supportive friend who is secretly in love with her.
It was a gentle and heartfelt performance. He played a kind and decent man who provides an emotional anchor for the main character.
Boulevard (2014)
In one of his final dramatic roles, Williams played Nolan Mack in ‘Boulevard’. He portrayed a quiet, 60-year-old bank employee who has been living a life of quiet desperation, hiding his homosexuality from his wife and friends. After meeting a young street hustler, he begins to confront his true identity for the first time.
It was a powerful, restrained, and deeply sad performance. Williams captured the character’s profound loneliness and his fearful, hesitant journey toward self-acceptance.
The Angriest Man in Brooklyn (2014)
In this comedy-drama, Williams played Henry Altmann. After a doctor mistakenly tells him he only has 90 minutes to live, the perpetually angry Henry races around New York City trying to make amends with everyone he has ever wronged.
The film was a frantic race against time that allowed Williams to play a character full of rage and regret. It was a high-energy performance that also had moments of genuine emotion.
A Merry Friggin’ Christmas (2014)
In his final on-screen film role, Williams starred in the holiday comedy ‘A Merry Friggin’ Christmas’. He played Mitch Mitchler, the estranged and curmudgeonly father of the main character. The story follows a family’s dysfunctional and chaotic Christmas celebration.
The film was released after his death. It was a dark, comedic look at family holidays, and it served as the final cinematic farewell to a truly legendary performer.
Of all the characters he brought to life, which Robin Williams movie do you treasure the most? Let everyone know your favorite in the comments.
