Williams earned an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal as John Keating in the critically acclaimed 1989 film Dead Poets Society, with The New York Times calling it an "exceptionally fine performance."
Robin Williams wielded comic brilliance and Oscar-worthy dramatic chops during his decades-spanning career.
The actor, who died Monday, burst onto the scene in 1978 with ABC’s Mork & Mindy — and didn’t slow down from there. Here we look back at five of the roles that made him so beloved.
Mork & Mindy (1978-1982)
Williams quickly established the show’s tone with one of the pilot’s most popular scenes.
Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)
Williams earned a Golden Globe for the war comedy.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
In perhaps the most iconic speech of his career, Williams reminded his students, “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”
Awakenings (1990)
Earning more critical praise, Williams gave a pivotal speech near the film’s end: “The human spirit is more powerful than any drug, and that was what needs to be nourished. With work, play, friendship, family.”
Good Will Hunting (1997)
In the only scene to rival his “carpe diem” remarks, Williams’ Oscar-winning performance here demonstrated you can’t learn about life just by reading books: “You don’t know about real loss, because that only occurs when you love something more than you love yourself.”
