The world lost one of its great comedic actors on Monday when Robin Williams passed away at the age of 63 from an apparent suicide. Sources close to him say he struggled with depression and addiction for most of his life.
Most college students will remember Williams for his iconic roles as the exuberant and endearing Genie in Aladdin, the inspirational and eloquent Professor Keating in Dead Poets Society, the wise and passionate Dr. Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting and the lovable and hilarious title character in Mrs. Doubtfire, among many other roles.
Robin Williams and his comedic genius were hallmarks of our childhood, and though his passing leaves us utterly heartbroken, it also gives us a chance to remember his greatest works and to celebrate the life of a spectacularly talented and beautiful performer.
1. Good Will Hunting: “It’s not your fault”
In one of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history, Robin Williams’ Dr. Sean Maguire finally breaks through to the troubled but brilliant Will Hunting by repeatedly telling him that it’s not his fault. This is one of the most moving scenes in film and we tear up every single time. Pass the tissues, please.
2. Dead Poets Society: O Captain! My Captain!
Professor Keating in Dead Poets Society is arguably one of Robin Williams’s most beloved roles, and for good reason. This scene at the end of the film when Keating’s former students stand on their desks to quote Walt Whitman and salute their teacher as he leaves the premises is epic, moving and an appropriate tribute to such an amazing actor.
3. Mrs. Doubtfire: The lemon meringue mask
This scene in which Robin Williams has to smash a cake into his face to maintain his identity as Mrs. Doubtfire is funny no matter how old you are, and the voice he makes when he says “Oh, hello!” is actually just about the most hilarious thing we’ve ever heard (and something we try to replicate on a daily basis, tbh).
4. Aladdin: Genie in a bottle
Our collegiette generation first fell in love with Robin Williams as Genie, the charismatic and endlessly entertaining scene-stealer of Disney’s Aladdin. Williams’s incredible vocal talents and unparalleled knack for impressions made the iconic “Friend Like Me” song one of the most enjoyable Disney numbers to hear (and one of our personal favorites).
5. Good Will Hunting: “He stole my line”
It’s rumored that Robin Williams completely improvised this line at the end of the film as a response to Will’s note, which read, “I had to go see about a girl.” This film proved that Williams had what it takes to be a comedic actor in a serious role, and this off-the-cuff line is the perfect tone on which to end the film.
6. Jumanji: The jungle man-child
Robin Williams’s role as Alan Parrish (the man stuck inside the board game Jumanji for 26 years) may be one of his more family-friendly roles, but it’s still an amazing example of Williams’s ability to blend drama and comedy (and even romance) together flawlessly, all while keeping us infinitely entertained and invested in his character.
7. Flubber: The mad scientist
We can’t even remember how many times we watched this as a kid, and Robin Williams’s amazing physical comedy is something we appreciate even more now that we’re older. This scene will never get old, and Flubber will continue to be one of Williams’ most underrated films.
8. Mrs. Doubtfire: Coolest Dad Award
If this movie is ever on TV, you can bet that collegiettes everywhere will be watching. This scene from the beginning of the film when Daniel throws a chaotic completely amazing birthday party for his son and dances on the table to “Jump Around” by House of Pain was the scene that made us wish Robin Williams was our dad. I mean, look at those dance moves!
9. Hook: Peter Pan lives
When Robin Williams starred as grown-up Peter Pan in this 1990s remake of the classic fairytale, we had no idea we would fall so in love with this movie (Okay, so that wasn’t until years later, but still). This scene in particular gets us every time: one of the Lost Boys, Pockets, touches Peter’s face and finally realizes that he is, in fact, Peter Pan returned to Neverland. We felt the excitement all the way on the other side of the screen!
10. Dead Poets Society: “What will your verse be?”
We end our tribute with what is arguably the most poignant scene Robin Williams ever filmed. As Professor Keating, Williams is telling his English class about the magic of words, his own speech becoming something powerful and poetic as he declares, “The powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?”
Rest in peace, Robin Williams, and thank you for your contribution of such an incredibly beautiful verse.
If you or someone you know is suffering, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. It’s okay to ask for help.