Robin Williams is a legend for not only the comedic world, but in the eyes of the millions who love his work. He is and will always be a true icon.
Our beloved comedian, actor, father, husband, and mentor: Robin Williams will continue to teach us to be ourselves, to experience all aspects of love, and to make us laugh through it all.
Robin Williams’ roles have taught us many life lessons. Throughout his career, he played a variety of characters with important ideas to convey to all his fans. He was our Genie. He was our transvestite nanny. He was our mad scientist. He was a statue brought to life. Robin Williams is our hero. He battled an illness that unfortunately ended his life, but the laughs and smiles he brought to so many people will continue forever. Let’s take a look at his iconic career and remember all the lessons Robin Williams has taught us.
The Genie (Aladdin)
Robin Williams made our dreams come true. He improvised over 50 percent of that character. He created the Genie we all know and love not to mention this hilarious character had 40 different voices all invented by the legendary Robin Williams. This shows a huge talent that many do not have. He was a comedic genius and one of a kind. Williams’ ideas flourished through the Genie teaching us at a young age the importance of honesty. For starters, this notorious character taught us to be ourselves despite the restraints of life. He taught us to be true to ourselves as well as to the one’s we love. In one scene, Genie tells Aladdin to tell Jasmine the truth about who he really is. Aladdin decided not to and it blew up in his face when Jasmine found out the truth. We all know Aladdin gets Jasmine in the end, but the Genie’s advice could have saved Aladdin much wasted time and stress. Sometimes love makes us do crazy things and honesty really is the best policy. The Genie was simply a vehicle for Robin Williams to implement core values that we should all uphold.
Mrs. Doubtfire/Daniel Hillard (Mrs. Doubtfire)
Honesty wasn’t working in the favor of this movie for Robin Williams. But sometimes we hide the truth for a better cause. Robin played Daniel Hillard, a man at a low point of his life who just wanted to see his kids. It’s amazing the extent a parent will go to for their children. The extent Hillard took was an extreme measure considering he gave up his manhood, ethnicity, and age to become an old English nanny for his children. Mrs. Doubtfire became a legend for the books. This segment is from the scene where Daniel’s ex-wife Miranda is interviewing Mrs. Doubtfire, aka Daniel. Mrs. Doubtfire is discussing her late husband’s death. Just a taste of the humor Robin Williams brought to the character of Mrs. Doubtfire. Mrs. Doubtfire: “He was quite fond of the drink. It was the drink that killed him.”
Miranda: “How awful, he was an alcoholic?”
Mrs. Doubtfire: “No, he was hit by a Guinness truck. So it was quite literally the drink that killed him.”
Professor Brainard (Flubber)
This goofy film is a classic amongst the impeccable portfolio of Robin Williams. He plays the corky Professor Brainard, whom has failed numerous times at inventing something worthy. He misses his first two weddings to his fiancé and on the third wedding, he again manage to miss it due to his invention of Flubber. He lets his passion for science get in the way of the one he loves the most. He ends up getting the girl at the end, but realizes he needs to better prioritize his life. Robin Williams teaches us that passion for one’s career can affect other important aspects of life, but a good balance and an animate blob of goo can fix everything. But more so, doing what you love and loving that special person both ensure happiness in life. Professor Brainard has this epiphany that shines light on our faults but also the madness of true love.
“Wish I understand human beings. Wish I understand women. Wish I understand emotions and passions. Wish I understand any of that. If I did, I wouldn't have had to spend my entire life in a laboratory trying to figure out how the world works. I would've been out in the world trying to figure out why it works. I know I love her, Weebo. Every neuron in my limbic system is saturated with phenylethylamine. That triggers euphoria, elation exhilaration. Truth is, Weebo, I'm not absent-minded because I'm selfish, crazy or inconsiderate. I'm absent-minded because I'm in love with Sara.”
Teddy Roosevelt (Night at the Museum)
Robin Williams plays a statue of Teddy Roosevelt that comes to life once the night begins at a New York museum. Teddy plays the role of the mentor for the protagonist of the film, Larry. He rescues Larry from a life-threatening situation and teaches him the ropes of being the night guard for the museum. Teddy gives Larry an important piece of advice: some are born great, but others have greatness thrust upon them. This is an infamous quote Robin Williams has presented to the audience. It teaches us to take a hold of the opportunities of life and that we must see greatness in the least likely places.
Robin Williams
Robin Williams was born great, and he seized the opportunity to share his greatness with the world. He has four completed films that will be released within the next year; he left the world with some of his unseen greatness for his fans to enjoy. Although he isn’t here to see the laughs and smiles, he left us with many fond memories and new ones to come. For now, let’s enjoy some quotes spoken not by the characters he has played, but by the true legend himself, Mr. Robin McLaurin Williams:
“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”
“Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves?”
“Canada is like a loft apartment over a really great party.”
“When in doubt, go for the dick joke.”
“You're only given one little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it.”
