Robin Williams would be turning 70 years old today if he were still with us, and fans around the world are paying tribute to the beloved actor. Williams, who’d been a household name since the 1970s,died by suicide in 2014 when he was just 63. It’s hard to believe it’s already been seven years, as the pain and heartbreak felt by fans at the time is still just as strong as ever, making it feel almost like it was yesterday.
A one of a kind comedian exceptionally skilled at improv,Robin Williamshas long been regarded as one of the greatest minds in comedy of all time. He first rose to fame by playing the alien Mork in the ABC comedy seriesMork & Mindyin the late 70s and early 80s. This success led to his transition into movies with Williams landing the titular role inPopeyeas his first starring role in 1980. He further showcased the extent of his abilities by landing the starring role inGood Morning, Vietnam, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
It’s almost impossible for fans topick one particular favorite Robin Williams performance, as he’s known for appearing in so many great movies over the years. As an improvisational wizard and a skilled stand-up comedian, he is certainly very well celebrated for his comedic roles in movies, which includes popular titles likeMrs. Doubtfire,Jumanji,The Birdcage, and theNight of the Museumseries. Another one of his most popular roles is as an adult Peter Pan inHook.
As skilled as he was in comedy, the talented actor always excelled with his more dramatic roles as well. We’ve seen this in titles likeDead Poets Society,Patch Adams,Good Will Hunting,What Dreams May Come, andBicentennial Man. He even convincingly played creepy antagonists in the thrillersInsomniaandOne Hour Photo. Williams was also acclaimed for his more dramatic performances in Terry Gilliam’s moviesThe Fisher KingandThe Adventures of Baron Munchausen.
Even in animation, Williams wasunforgettable. He provided the voice of the Genie in Disney’sAladdin, a role that was written specifically for him. Though it’s animated, it has become one of Williams' most famous and beloved roles, and Williams went on to reprise the voice of the Genie in the sequelAladdin and the King of Thieves. He was named a Disney Legend in 2009 for his work onAladdin. The actor’s other voiceover work includesFernGully,Robots,Happy Feet, andA.I. Artificial Intelligence.
Williams' final movie released during his lifetime wasThe Angriest Man in Brooklyn. Also starring Mila Kunis, Peter Dinklage, Melissa Leo, and James Earl Jones, the movie starred Williams in the lead role as an angry man hoping to redeem himself after learning he has a terminal illness. After Williams died in 2014, he posthumously appeared in the comediesA Merry Friggin' ChristmasandNight at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. His final movie role was as the voice of Dennis the Dog in Terry Jones' sci-fi comedyAbsolutely Anything.
Prior to his passing, Williams was planning to return for a sequel toMrs. Doubtfire. Just four months before Williams' death, 20th Century Fox announced thatMrs. Doubtfire 2had begun pre-production with Williams and director Chris Columbus both expected to return. The project was shelved upon Williams' passing, though it has since been reimagined as a stage musical that pays tribute to Williams and his performance in the original movie.
Happy heavenlybirthdayto Robin Williams. It’s hard not to imagine what all else we could have seen from the legendary actor and comedian if we hadn’t lost him in 2014, but he’s left so much incredible work behind that his legacy will live on forever. you may see what some of the fans are saying in honor of Williams and his would-be 70th birthday on Twitter.
