More Than Comedy: The Serious Side Of Robin Williams

Fans across the globe have been shocked and saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of American actor and stand-up comedian, Robin Williams. The beloved Hollywood actor, 63, was found unresponsive at his home in Tiburon, California on Monday (11th Aug) after an apparent suicide by asphyxiation. Tributes have been pouring in from family, friends and the acting community as people come to terms with the difficult death of a Hollywood hero.

Williams was, of course, known for his comic ability and his stand-up talents on stage. But he used his mimicry and ability to make people laugh in all areas of his life: one example in particular detailed by his Julliard performing arts school classmate, Christopher Reeve.

Following Reeve’s career-ending accident Williams visited him in hospital, an encounter Reeve wrote about in his book, Still Me.

"Then, at an especially bleak moment, the door flew open and in hurried a squat fellow with a blue scrub hat and a yellow surgical gown and glasses, speaking in a Russian accent. He announced that he was my proctologist, and that he had to examine me immediately...it was Robin Williams...for the first time since the accident, I laughed. My old friend had helped me know that somehow I was going to be okay."

MORE: Robin Williams Made Millions Laugh While Fighting His Own Demons

Some of Williams’ most famous roles were comedy, Mrs Doubtfire is a loved classic, but he was also a very talented feature-film actor and could undertake a serious role as competently as an actor who devoted their whole life to that particular genre. Here’s a look at some of his more serious roles.

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Another critically acclaimed film that was nominated for numerous awards, Williams portrays English teacher, John Keating, who inspires struggling students of an elite prep school to reach their potential through his unique teaching of poetry.

Often regarded as one of his best roles, Williams was praised by The Washington Post, amongst others, for a ‘nicely restrained acting performance’.

He received his second Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

MORE: Robin Williams' Daughter Pays Tribute To Late Actor

Next page: Another of Robin Williams' superb serious roles

The Butler (2013)

Robin Williams' played American President Dwight D. Eisenhower in The Butler

Although Williams’ part was relatively small in The Butler, he proves his feature-film skills once again as 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The film runs through the life of the African-American, Cecil Gaines, and his 34-year tenure as the White House butler which began upon the appointment of Williams’ presidential character.