Robin Williams' Most Iconic Roles In Memoriam

Robin Williams, born July 21, 1951, was one of Hollywood's greatest actors and comedic icons. He tragically passed away on August 11, 2014 by suicide. We reflect on the great legacy Williams left behind, with his best movie and TV roles he gave the world to see. 

Robin Williams' first big role was in the sitcom Mork And Mindy from 1978 until 1982. "Mork" came from outer space and his character actually originated on the show Happy Days. The show also starred Pam Dawber as "Mindy McConnell" and really launched Robin's career in show business.

“Oh Captain, my captain!” His 1989 role of "John Keating" in Dead Poets Society resulted in an Oscar nomination as Best Actor in a Leading Role in 1990. The prep school drama was a universal box office hit and while Williams did not get the Oscar – he would have to wait eight more years – the film still received the Academy Award for Best Screenplay.

In 1987, Robin Williams starred as Airmen and radio DJ "Adrian Cronauer" in 'Good Morning Vietnam'. It became one of the most successful films of the year and the fourth highest-grossing feature in 1987. The film, directed by Barry Levinson, almost perfectly manages the balancing act between comedy and poignant drama and in 1988, Robin Williams was awarded the Golden Globe as Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy). A well-deserved honor!

This 1991 fantasy adventure film Hook was directed by Steven Spielberg. Starring opposite Dustin Hoffman, who shines as the mean and devious “Captain James Hook”, Williams enchanted moviegoers as "Peter Pan" in this wonderful film, which still is a classic to this day.

What a wonderful time we had watching this one! With his 1993 portrayal of a father posing as an elderly Scottish nanny in 'Mrs. Doubtfire', he created a truly remarkable character and the film became a box office hit, as well as a classic spanning more than one generation. Hard to believe that we will never see his face on the big screen again....

With his performance as the voice of "Genie" in the Aladdin, Robin Williams made the 1992 Disney animated movie an instant classic. The movie has been a great watch for adults and children alike ever since.

In 1995, Robin Williams played the role of “Alan Parish” in the fantasy adventure film Jumanji. It is an adaptation of the 1981 children's book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. Although it did well at the box office, Jumanji received mixed reviews from critics. Despite the bad press, it’s still a great family movie and spawned two(!) sequels.

In 1996, Robin Williams starred as "Armand Goldman", and he was just fabulous! As the owner of 'The Birdcage', a drag club in Miami Beach, he excelled alongside Nathan Lane and opposite the great Gene Hackman. The movie directed by Mike Nichols was nominated for the Golden Globe in the category Best Motion Picture (Comedy or Musical).

This was the one: alongside Matt Damon, Williams gave one of THE performances of a lifetime in “Good Will Hunting”, playing the therapist “Dr. Sean Maguire”. The film was directed by Gus van Sant and the screenplay written by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, received the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1998. But more importantly, Robin Williams (finally!) won his Oscar for Best Supporting Actor!