Happy Birthday Robin Williams: Remembering the King of Comedy

When I think of movies from my childhood I think of Robin Williams. As the star of movies such as Aladdin, Flubber, and Mrs. Doubtfire, Williams was the funniest person I’d ever seen as a kid. His goofy and effervescent attitude was infectious and hard to resist. When he passed in 2014, we lost one of the best and brightest sources of laughter in this world.

He was born on July 21, 1951, so Williams would now be 64. He went to college at Claremont Men’s College, but then dropped out to study acting at the College of Marin. Eventually, he ended up at Julliard with a full scholarship for acting. After graduating, found his way into standup comedy. He made a few appearances on television and was part of The Richard Pryor Show before Williams eventually made his big break as the cheerful, goofy, alien Mork in the 1977 show, Mork & Mindy. Mork’s rainbow suspenders and catch phrase “Nanu- Nanu” became a worldwide phenomena and one of Williams’ most iconic roles. His big break into movies, however, didn’t happen until he played the classically comedic character, Popeye, in 1980.  After this, Williams continued to make successful films, including The World According to Garp (1982), Good Morning Vietnam (1987), and Dead Poets Society (1989). Although he was known for his comedic work, the latter two garnered him Oscar nominations. In the 90s he continued to make more films, including the ones he’s best known for: Aladdin, Hook, The Birdcage, and Good Will Hunting (which he won an Oscar for in 1997).

Despite these successes, his audience was probably most drawn to Williams’ ability to wholeheartedly commit to any role. It didn’t matter if it was as serious as his roles in Dead Poets Society or Good Will Hunting or as comedic as his part in Aladdin, he gave it his all. Although he struggled with drugs, alcohol, and depression, his movies never failed to delight, charm, and move audiences. As his birthday rolls around the corner, we should remember him for what he was: an undeniable talent.