The entertainment industry and fans alike were stunned August 11 upon hearing the sudden death of actor Robin Williams.
The famed actor and comedian was found dead in his California home from an apparent suicide, reports The Huffington Post.
Although the performer will no longer be able to make audiences burst out into laughter or produce the occasional tear, Williams has left behind a catalog filled with films, TV shows, comedy specials, and even a Broadway play.
To remember the successful, decades-spanning career Williams had, here are eight memorable performances he gave on the big screen.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Williams received his second Oscar nomination playing John Keating (or Oh Captain, My Captain as his students referred him), an eccentric English teacher at an all-boys boarding school. Seen as a comedic actor in the early point of his career, Williams proved he could deliver a serious side as well.
Aladdin (1992)
Who could imagine the Disney animated classic without the genie? Sure, there’s the love story between the title character and Princess Jasmine and evil Jafar’s plot for world domination, but admit it. The movie just wouldn’t be as fun. Williams ‘role as the blue, mystical creature was hilarious. Genie, with mouth going a mile-a-minute while also throwing in a couple of accents, was a character you couldn’t resist loving.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
One of Williams’ most popular movies (it racked up $441 million worldwide in its initial release, according to site Box Office Mojo), he plays Daniel Hillard, a father who is willing to do anything to see his three children after going through a nasty divorce. In comes Mrs. Doubtfire: a British nanny who can pretty much do anything; from household chores to kicking a soccer ball with the kids. Williams shines as both Daniel and the title character, as he got to show off his comedic talents, while also portraying the sensitivity of a man who just wants to spend time with his children.
Jumanji (1995)
The film, based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, is an adventure thriller with cool special effects (well, for the time). Williams was more than willing to bring out his zany sense of humor in Alan Parrish, a man who has been stuck inside a board game for 26 years. When two children discover the game, Williams and his new friends must destroy Jumanji once and for all.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
In this dramatic role, Williams plays an unconventional therapist who is trying to better the life of his troubled math genius client, played by Matt Damon. The actor poured himself into his character Sean Maguire, portraying him as a stern, but passionate person who just wants to see his client succeed. The end result? It gave Williams his first and only Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Bicentennial Man (1999)
Although not as big as some of his other works (the movie only made $87 million, reports Box Office Mojo), Williams nonetheless gives a compelling performance. He plays Andrew, an android who can experience human emotions in a futuristic world. The sci-fi flick is based on Isaac Asimov’s novel, The Bicentennial Man.
One Hour Photo (2002)
If you wish to see the kind, warm and funny Robin Williams, you won’t see him here. In his creepiest film role, the actor plays Sy Parrish, a photo technician who works in a local department store. His becomes fixated on the Yorkins, a family who have been customers of his for years. His obsession grows stronger however when he realizes infidelity has taken place in the household.
World’s Greatest Dad (2009)
A more recent performance, Williams is back to his true comedic self in this dark comedy. He plays Lance Clayton, a failed writer turned high school English teacher. After his 16-year-old son Kyle gets into an accident that ultimately kills him, Lance makes the death look like a suicide, even writing a suicide note. Kyle, formerly deemed a loser, is now the most popular boy in school. Williams is terrific in the film, as he shows the guilt he feels for his son’s death, while also being selfish as to how the situation will make others judge him.