From Hook To Aladdin: Remembering Our Favorite Robin Williams Movies

Mrs. Doubtfire

Usually when comedic actors don tons of makeup and prosthetics to portray the opposite sex, it doesn’t end well. Just take a look at Adam Sandler and the colossal travesty that was Jack And Jill. It’s almost as if playing extreme dress-up is a bonafide guarantee that a movie will end up a disaster.

As you’ve probably been reading throughout this entire article though, Robin Williams was a one-of-a-kind talent, and simply superior to most comedians and actors around him. So when he decided to disguise himself as an elderly nanny as a loophole to spend time with his kids – his divorced wife wouldn’t allow him to see them – in the classic comedy Mrs. Doubtfire, he made it work.

His voice was high-pitched, old, and ridiculous, he looked absolutely silly in the costume and the idea itself was pretty ludicrous, but the audience were able to connect with the film because it had heart amidst its stupidity. And at the center of the pulse was an endearing performance from Robin Williams. He was portraying a man that wanted nothing other than to be with his children, which is something many parents out there can relate to.

A few months ago they were rumors about a sequel possibly being made, and on Twitter I made a lighthearted jab towards Hollywood and their endless affection for sequels, and how this could be one of the worst ideas yet. I take that back, though, because if even for a second Robin Williams’ depression was caused by a lack of receiving roles and having television shows cancelled, this movie could have potentially given him something to live for and look forward to, justifying its existence.

RIP Robin Williams, your comedies put a smile on my face growing up as a child, just as much as your dramatic roles mesmerized me.

– Rob Kojder