Robin Williams, His Iconic Movie Roles and Quotes

Robin Williams left us suddenly at age 63 and under tragic circumstances such as none could have ever imagined. A man of many talents, Williams left behind a body of work that is and will be a testament to his unique talents for generations to come. Williams first became popular on television as Mork in the 1970s sitcom “Mork and Mindy”. Branching out to the big screen, he appeared in over 80 movies. Whether comedy, drama or a mixture of both, Robin Williams always delivered unforgettable performances that ranged from funny to sad and from silly to wise. Here are some iconic Robin Williams films, including quotes, whether funny, sad, silly or wise.

MRS. DOUBTFIRE (1993)

Robin Williams played the dual role of Daniel Hillard and Mrs. Doubtfire in this comedy. After his wife divorces him, voice actor Daniel takes on a new role as Euphegenia Doubtfire, nanny to his own children.

Favorite Quote: Mrs. Doubtfire: “Carpe dentum. Seize the teeth.”

Mrs. Doubtfire: “Oh, I thought I saw Clint Eastwood, that would make my day! He is such a stud muffin!”

Daniel: [as Groucho Marx] “Well this is certainly a rough meeting and it’s not going very well for me, I’ll tell you that.”

GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM (1987)

Robin Williams played Adrian Cronauer who is sent to Vietnam during the height of the war. Cronauer is given the task of broadcasting on the Air Force radio station. It is difficult for Cronauer to get along with his superiors because of his outlandish and occasionally sarcastic demeanor. Still, some find his sense of humor hilarious and he becomes quite popular. His unsuccessful pursuit of a local girl has totally unexpected results.

Favorite quote: “What’s the demilitarized zone? It sounds like something from the Wizard of Oz: Oh no don’t go in there! Ohhh wee ohh. Ho Chi Minh. Oh look you’ve landed in Saigon. You’re amongst the little people now. We represent the ARVN army, the ARVN army. Oh no! Follow the Ho Chi Minh trail! Follow the Ho Chi Minh trail!”

More quotes: “Vietnam, Good Morning! Vietnam, Gooooood Morning! This isn’t a test, guys. This is the sound of rock & roll. Rock it from the delta to the DMZ now. This seems like something out of an Elvis Presley movie, am I right? Da Nang, here we come. Da Nang, you’re the best. Da Nang, Da Nang, Da Nang, Da Nang.”

“Excuse me, sir. Seeing as how the V.P. is such a V.I.P., shouldn’t we keep the P.C. on the Q.T.? ‘Cause if it leaks to the V.C. he could end up M.I.A., and then we’d all be put on K.P.”

DEAD POET’S SOCIETY (1989)

Robin Williams plays John Keating, an English teacher at a boarding school who has an unconventional method of instructing his students. He makes poetry come to life for the kids and challenges them to think about life in a new manner. Things take a dramatic turn as the film delves into the private lives of college students.

Favorite Quote: “Carpe diem, seize the day. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.”

More quotes: “Poetry, beauty, romance, and love are the things that keep us going.”

“The college will also introduce you to a wide variety of literature, some of which you should devour, and others of which you should avoid at all costs.”

GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997) Robin Williams played Sean, a psychologist, whose challenge is to break through the walls that Will Hunting hides his true potential behind.

Favorite Quote: “You don’t know about real loss ’cause that only occurs when you love something more than you love yourself”

More quotes: “You’re not perfect, sport, and let me save you the suspense: this girl you’ve met, she’s not perfect either. But the question is whether or not you’re perfect for each other.”

“He [Will] pushes people away before they get a chance to leave him. It’s a defense mechanism. And for 20 years he’s been alone because of that. And if you push him right now, it’s gonna be the same thing all over again and I’m not gonna let that happen to him.”

“Nail them while they’re vulnerable, that’s my motto.”

More Robin Williams Films and Quotes

JUMANI (1995) as Alan Parrish: “There are things that hunt you in the night. Then something screams. Then you hear them eating, and you hope to God that you’re not dessert.”

ALADDIN (1992) as the Genie: “Thank you for choosing Magic Carpet for all your travel needs. Don’t stand until the rug has come to a complete stop. Thank you. Goodbye now. Goodbye. Goodbye. Thank you. Goodbye.”

POPEYE (1980) with Robin Williams in the title role and Shelley Duvall as Olive Oyl

Popeye: “I found him in Sweethaven, that’s why he is me Swee’Pea. I am calling him Swee’Pea and that is his name. Ain’t that the truth?”
Olive Oyl: “Swee’Pea is the worst name I’ve ever heard on a baby.”
Popeye: “Well what do you wants me to call him? Baby Oyl?”