REMEMBERING ROBIN WILLIAMS
“While I’ll never, ever understand how he could be loved so deeply and not find it in his heart to stay, there’s minor comfort in knowing our grief and loss, in some small way, is shared with millions.” — Zelda Williams
On Monday the world lost a great light, Robin Williams.
Anyone on social media this week can see what a great impact Robin Williams has made on the lives of both the people he knew and the millions he entertained. Widely respected among his peers and fans, Robin Williams was a truly talented and gifted actor and comedian, a generous giver, a passionate gamer and a proud parent.
On Monday, Williams’s wife Susan Schneider said in a statement, “As he is remembered, it is our [family’s] hope the focus will not be on Robin’s death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.” So, for this Throwback Thursday, let’s take a look back at three ’90s film roles where Robin Williams spread laughter.
Mrs. Doubtfire—Mrs. Doubtfire/Daniel
Synopsis: while going through a divorce, voice actor Daniel is unable to spend as much time with his children and soon-to-be ex wife, Miranda, as he would like. When Miranda posts an advertisement for a housekeeper in the paper, Daniel sees this as the perfect opportunity to get to see his family more often. He creates the persona, “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and enlists his makeup artist brother to help dress him as a women to get the job. He ends up landing the gig, but must keep his idenity a secret from his family, or risk losing them forever.
Hilarious Line: [Miranda is starting to date and consults Mrs. Doubtfire for some advice] Miranda: How long after Mr. Doubtfire passed away… Did you feel any desire…?
Mrs. Doubtfire: Never.
Miranda: Never?
Mrs. Doubtfire: Never again.
Miranda: Never again?
Mrs. Doubtfire: Once the father of your children is out of the picture, the only solution is total and lifelong celibacy.
Miranda: Celibacy?
Mrs. Doubtfire: Yes. And if you violate that, heaven forgive you! Good luck.
Hook—Peter
Synopsis: Peter Pan has left Neverland, moved to the United States, started a family and become a work-obsessed attorney who has taken on the identity of Peter Banning. Peter has no recollection of his days as Peter Pan or living in Neverland. When he and his family travel to London, Captain Hook seeks revenge on Peter by kidnapping his children. Tinkerbell takes Peter back to Neverland to face Captain Hook to get his kids back, but first Peter must remember his identity, which is harder to jog than Tink imagined. She and the lost boys have three days to get Peter into Pan shape or Banning will lose his children forever.
Hilarious Line: [Upon meeting Tinkerbell for the first time] “You’re a… you’re a complex Freudian hallucination having something to do with my mother and I don’t know why you have wings, but you have very lovely legs, and you’re a very nice tiny person, and what am I saying, I don’t know who my mother was; I’m an orphan, and I’ve never taken drugs because I missed the sixties.”
Aladdin—Genie
Synopsis: according to the trailer, “it’s a story about a poor boy from the streets and a beautiful girl from a palace; they were two very different people brought together by one incredible wish.” But really it’s about a boy who finds a magic lamp and frees a genie that becomes his most unique friend (even more unique than his monkey pal).
Hilarious Line: “You ain’t never had a friend like me”
These three roles show only a glimpse of Robin Williams talent. In the spirit of focusing on the moments of laughter and joy, please feel free to share your favorite Robin Williams role/line/quote.
Cover Photo Source: Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com
