For a man who was chronically unhappy with himself Robin Williams brought a lot of happiness into our world. Ironically, the mental health issues which likely contributed to his suicide may also be at least partly responsible for some of his brilliant comedy. When we think of Robin Williams we think of the laughs first, but he also played some very serious roles brilliantly. I chose these ten as my favorites partly because I wanted a cross section of his career that showed all the sides of his genius.
10. Simon Roberts in the 2013-2014 TV series The Crazy Ones: Although he has five movies that are in post-production, this is the last thing we’ll have seen him in while he was still with us. He played the madcap, creative genius ad exec perfectly. It wasn’t the best show ever, but Robin Williams had the chance to showcase his comedic brilliance with a fun cast.
9. Good Will Hunting: When he hugged Matt Damon and said, “It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault.” If you didn’t have a tear in your eye then I don’t want to know you.
8. Aladdin: He was the second best genie ever, behind only Barbara Eden, for obvious reasons.
7. Mrs. Doubtfire: Best bad movie ever. After watching that movie I went to school in drag for a year.
6. Patch Adams: After watching this I forever judge my doctors on their sense of humor. So far no one compares.
5. Awakenings: Robin could sure play the crap out of any doctor role he got.
4. Good Morning Viet Nam: Adrian Cronauer. So memorable that his characters catch phrase was used by Michael Scott in an episode of The Office twenty years later.
3. The Fisher King: A wonderfully touching story of redemption starring Robin Williams and Jeff Bridges.
2. Professor Keating in Dead Poets Society: To the rest of us, it always seemed like Robin Williams lived by his characters motto of Carpe Diem!
1. Mork on Mork and Mindy: Worst character name ever, but best comedic character ever. This was his first starring role and to most of us old enough to have watched the show Robin will forever be Mork.
If I didn’t include your favorite Robin Williams role, what was it and why did you like him in that role so much?
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~Phil
