Video: Robin Williams - a career in clips

 
Comic genius: Williams dances in the 1993 film Mrs Doubtfire
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Sean Stillmaker12 August 2014
The Weekender

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From Mork & Mindy to Dead Poets Society, Robin Williams was equally at home playing characters ranging from silly to sensitive.

Starting off in television in the late 70s, the stand-up comedian quickly transcended into film, receiving numerous accolades and awards throughout his career.

Below are some of his most memorable roles and moments.

Good Morning Vietnam

The iconic 1988 film has Williams portraying an unorthodox and irreverent radio DJ during the Vietnam War. His performance garnered his first Academy Award nomination for best actor and marked his first of three collaborations with director Barry Levinson, the director he would work with the most throughout his career.

Dead Poets Society

“O Captain! My Captain!” is how Williams portraying teacher John Keating instructed his English class at the traditional prep school to refer to him. Williams received his second Academy Award nomination for best actor for the 1989 inspirational role.

Good Will Hunting

The 1997 film languished in development hell for over a year until Williams agreed to star. The heart-warming performance as a psychologist working with a gifted mathematician, played by Matt Damon, earned Williams the Academy Award for best supporting actor.

Mrs. Doubtfire

Williams’ range of hysterics were on full display as he portrayed an actor disguising himself as a nanny so he can spend more time with his children. The 1993 film would gross over $200 million, making it one of his biggest blockbuster hits.

Jumanji

The1995 fantasy film involved Williams combating elements of the African jungle while trying to survive playing a magical board game.

Mork on Happy Days

Williams' big break came as a guest star role in the television series Happy Days. His character of Mork, an alien from Ork, would be spun off into his own television show entitled Mork & Mindy, which ran for four seasons between 1978-82.

Aladdin

Providing the voice of the Genie in the 1992 film, Williams improvised so much animators had more than 16 hours of material to work with - but his brilliant improvisation made the film ineligible for the Academy Award for best adapted screenplay.

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