Robin Williams

               I can’t tell you the first time I ever saw Robin Williams’ work.  It has always been around and most likely I have been watching it my entire life.  I know I didn’t first see him on Mork & Mindy since I never watched an episode until a few months ago.  Even then I had it on for only a couple of minutes.  I’m pretty sure I saw all of the Happy Days episode in which Mr. Williams guest starred, but again that was after I had been watching Mr. Williams’ films for years.  When I think about it, Mrs. Doubtfire is probably the first work that made me truly realize who Mr. Williams was as a person, as well as his great talent.

                Even though it has been a long time since I have watched Mrs. Doubtfire there are still parts of it I can quote.  I first saw it in the theatres, but when it was released on video I watched it over and over again.  It didn’t take me long to memorize the opening opera sequence to the point that I could sing it on my own as well as with Mr. Williams.  This was one of my favorite parts of the film and it always made me look forward to what was coming up next.  

                Another film of Mr. Williams’ I watched over and over again was Bicentennial Man.  Since I never owned this film, I’m not sure how I have seen it so much.  I must have rented it more than once, which is not something I usually do.  It goes to show how much I liked this film about a robot that goes from mechanical housekeeper and maintenance man to human.  There is such a great love story in this film, but it is a film that is not mentioned all that often.  I have to wonder how many people remember that it was even made. 

                If people do not remember Bicentennial Man, I am pretty sure I know the top two movies Mr. Williams is remembered for.  The first is Good Morning, Vietnam.  For years I saw bits and pieces of this film but for some reason I never saw it all the way through.  Then not long ago I came upon it on one of the cable channels just as the opening credits were rolling.  I knew I had to grab my chance to see this film I had been trying to watch for so long.  Mr. Williams is iconic as the radio DJ who won’t follow the rules set before him during the Vietnam War.  This film showed not only Mr. Williams’ comedic side, but let him show his dramatic talent as well.

                The other movie Mr. Williams is so often mentioned with also let Mr. Williams show his dramatic side.  It is Dead Poets Society.  Mr. Williams portrays a teacher at an all boy prep school.  As with his Good Morning, Vietnam character, the character in this film does not toe the line.  Instead he teaches his boys to think for themselves and go after what they really want in life.

                I could keep going on and on about all of Mr. Williams’ films.  There are so many I haven’t mentioned, such as The Birdcage, Patch Adams, Dead Again, Jakob the Liar, and Insomnia.  The more I write the more there is I want to say.  Then there are the other works I have seen of Mr. Williams’ such as his interview on Inside the Actors Studio.  At least it was supposed to be an interview.  It ended up being a master class in improv instead, and my favorite Inside the Actors Studio episode ever.  I’ve also seen one of Mr. Williams’ stand-up shows on DVD.  It was hilarious and I couldn’t stop laughing.  See?  If I let myself I could keep going forever.  That is how much I have enjoyed Mr. Williams’ work throughout my life.  I am very sad he is no longer with us.  Whenever I heard Mr. Williams’ name I was always curious to see what he was up to next.  Mr. Williams made me laugh, but I loved his drama as well.  I know I will be watching his work for many, many years to come.