In Memory of Robin Williams (1951-2014)

Robin Williams (1951-2014)

I never expected that the laughter
would die down. Throughout the

years, I had never been a fan
of Robin Williams, nor his
acting in his many big-screen
movies, whether comical
or heartwarming.
He was good at doing

impersonations and stand-up

comedy shtick. I grew up seeing

some of his films.

Recently, he was found dead at age 63 on August 11th. I've already reviewed only three of his hit movies (minus "Happy Feet Two"). Seeing the passing of one of the great comedians, a man with such talent who could make us cry with laughter, sadness, and joy through his diverse range of roles in his smash-hit movies, is hard. He became a comedian in the early 70s. He immediately moved to television, and his first movie role was when he appeared as himself in 1977's "Can Do It 'Till I Need Glasses." In 1978, writer/producer Garry Marshall cast Williams as the alien Mork in an episode of the hit TV series "Happy Days" after seeing him in NBC's short-run "The Richard Pryor Show." He had improvised many of his comedy routines, including dialogue and slapstick, which made Mork popular with viewers. Robin later reprised the character on his new show, "Mork & Mindy," which ran until 1982. During the same period, from 1978 into the 1980s, Williams began performing stand-up comedy professionally and had three compilations of his performances air on HBO.

In 1987, he went to a new level in his acting career when he starred in a movie directed by Barry Levinson called "Good Morning, Vietnam." The film became a worldwide success, and Williams received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. It boosted his confidence and landed him many of his more complex roles, including "Dead Poets Society," "Awakenings," "The Fisher King," and "Hook." The first and third also earned him Oscar nominations. In 1992, Robin provided three voice-overs for two animated movies, one for Disney and one for 20th Century Fox. One of those was "Aladdin," and the role he enjoyed most and in which he showcased his talent was voicing the Genie. It solidified the practice of casting celebrities for voice-overs. Robin's famed comedic persona continued to flourish in 1993 when he landed a role in Chris Columbus's comedy, "Mrs. Doubtfire." This time, he plays the father, disguising himself as an old nanny. It was also his second major hit after "Aladdin."

In 1996, Robin starred in movies like "Jack" and "The Birdcage." The following year, he received a part in the drama "Good Will Hunting." Co-starring and getting along with a fresh new actor, Matt Damon, in the feature, he built a friendly chemistry throughout the film. After the film became a triumph, Williams won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. It was an award he had waited patiently for and dreamed of since 1988. Robin eventually made a few dramatic features, such as "Patch Adams" and "Bicentennial Man," in which his roles were unlike his usual eccentric characters. Throughout the 2000s, Robin continued to work steadily. He received roles in movies such as "One Hour Photo" and "Insomnia." He did more comedic, family-friendly work, appearing in films such as "Robots," "RV," "Happy Feet," and "Night at the Museum." Robin had close support and encouragement from his family, including his daughter Zelda, whom he named after the princess from the video game "The Legend of Zelda" (he was an interactive gaming enthusiast).

It is sad to see such a charismatic and cheerful man pass away. We will remember this talented man for the great legacy he left behind. Here are two career-defining highlights from the well-known films Williams appeared in in the early 90s.

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