The late Robin Williams was a rarity in the acting industry. His humor was at such a speed, he'd leave audiences to recover from a punch line while he was already two jokes ahead. From stand-up to an alien-based sitcom, there was no medium of comedy he couldn't turn his hand to.
It was clear from his earliest work, Williams had set the bar to an unobtainable height for comedians and comic actors alike. But it was this ability combined with his ease of embodying characters of a serious nature that proved he wasn't a one-off phenomenon. Robin Williams' iconic body of work contains a subject matter, a genre, and a storyline for everyone. Though the world lost one of its truest artists, the gain from his versatile performances is endless and will be marveled at for generations to come.
Mrs.Doubtfire
It's one thing having to portray a different person, but to act as a character who also wants to act as someone else is no easy feat. As Daniel, a recently divorced father, wanted to see his children freely, he chose to impersonate a housekeeper, which gave him greater access to his son and two daughters.
He would become Euphegenia Doubtfire, who was a "hip old granny, who could hip-hop, be-bop, dance til you drop and yo yo make a wicked cup of cocoa." But not only that, she made audiences laugh uncontrollably at her undercover antics and cry at Daniel's heartbreak. A role like this could easily be caricatured, with a forced, slap-stick element, but Williams gave a touching performance embedded in a highly amusing structure.
Aladdin
As an actor that used a lot of physicality in his comedy, it could've been assumed that Robin Williams would steer clear of any job that could strip him of that component, as it would lessen his comedy. But that would be a gargantuan misconception.
Disney's Aladdin is an animated film in which Williams' main role was the classic wish-granting Genie. Williams' voice was his only tool, but his plethora of accents and clear expression brought the character to life with some of the funniest quips in the film. The magical cartoon made space for a character that children could innocently believe in and adults would enjoy watching. Robin Williams was the only man for the part.
One Hour Photo
Sy, a photo technician, becomes obsessed with a family whose photos he regularly prints, leading him to print copies for himself as he fantasizes about being part of the Yorkins. The character wasn't an outwardly loud or chaotic stalker. Rather, a calm and gentle man that easily slipped under the radar at his place of work.
However, the usually lively actor brought a sinister, uneasy presence to the psychological thriller, taking a giant leap away from anything he was initially known for. Williams' stillness became just as powerfully expressive as his movements.
Hook
Making a film that acts as a sequel to an already popular Disney classic,is a brave move that could easily seem like a rip-off. In the case of Hook, the film was a magical continuation of Peter Pan where Robin Williams played the iconic everlasting child.
The swashbuckler allowed him to portray a strait-laced, job-fixated lawyer, as well as an adult Peter Pan who returned to Neverland to rescue his children. Williams seamlessly transitioned Peter from his conventional life to a surreal world, making both parts equally believable.
Good Morning, Vietnam
Over the years, Robin Williams' kindness has become common knowledge, as those who experienced his warmth have shared their stories of the actor aiming to make others happy. It may be that channeling this innate trait helped him take on the role of Adrian Cronauer, a radio DJ who went on air in Vietnam with the objective of bringing a little joy to the troops.
The role didn't simply require comedy, but a credible desire to help others and that conveyed the turmoil of the Vietnam War. Although the character may have been reflective of Williams' own personality in some way, he still brought deeper emotion.
Good Will Hunting
Good Will Hunting won numerous accolades, including Robin Williams deservedly receiving an Academy Award for 'Best Supporting Actor.' Although a supporting role, it was no less integral to the plot than the main characters.
To see Williams deliver some of the film's best quotes, encompassed in playing a straight-talking, compassionate, and patient therapist, gave audiences the chance to see another side to his genius. The part of Sean Maguire called for and was given a feasible sensitivity but a stern passion that truthfully conveyed the pain from his past.
Dead Poets Society
John Keating is introduced to a new school and uses unconventional methods to teach his students. The enthusiasm John has for teaching English is something a student can only hope for in their schooling career.
Just as his plausible performance as John proved, it wouldn't be inconceivable to suggest that Robin Williams would have been a wonderfully exhilarating teacher. Beyond his wit, energy, and exuberance, he was able to find a depth that could convince viewers of his character's devotion to teaching with invigoration. Arguably, Robin Williams is one of the few actors that really could inspire anyone to "seize the day."
Night At The Museum
Night At The Museum saw waxworks of historical figures and animals come alive, with Robin Williams playing the wax statue of Theodore Roosevelt. A strong cast was absolutely crucial for a concept where inanimate objects were brought to life, and Williams greatly contributed to the premise. The gung-ho mannequin brought humor and a sense of leadership, notwithstanding poignant moments, that Williams was able to transfer to.
Just before Teddy turns back to a wax sculpture, Larry tells him he has no idea what he's doing the next day. Teddy replies "how exciting." At that moment, Williams' eyes light up with a sincere look of hope, love, and inspiration, turning two simple words into one of the Night At The Museum's best quotes- something only he could master.
The Angriest Man In Brooklyn
Considering all the emotional roles Robin Williams has played, one of pure anger is rarely noted. However, as the movie title states, Henry Altmann is frequently enraged, with little time for other people. As it transpires, his seething bitterness stems from the loss of his son.
While the film didn't receive critical acclaim, Williams presented an honest depiction of a man whose suffering came out in a regrettable way. Much the opposite of Williams' personality, Henry starts off as being unlikable, but as the reasoning is made apparent and through his persuasive acting, views on him completely change.
Bicentennial Man
The futuristic plot of Bicentennial Man revolves around a robot who performs duties for a human family, discovering that he himself has humanistic traits which he chooses to further explore.
Playing a robot could easily become laughable, but Williams brought the realism and creative imagination that was needed, particularly because Andrew (the robot) transitioned into becoming a human. Of course, there were funny scenes, but the plot pulled at viewers' heartstrings, and Williams convinced audiences that Bicentennial Man had a soul. Perhaps he had been well prepared to play otherworldly characters from his time as Mork. Whatever it was, he proved his diverse ability once again.