Goodbye, Robin Williams

For over three decades, Robin Williams has made us laugh and cry. One of the most talented names in Hollywood passed away on August 11, 2014 in northern California. It is suspected that he took his own life. DW looks back at some of Robin Williams most memorable and touching films.

Robin Williams, already known for his performance in the TV series "Mork & Mindy," made his film debut in 1980 as the goofy sailor who ate spinach to boost his strength. Shelley Duvall co-starred as Popeye's better half, Olive. While the film wasn't highly acclaimed, that didn't hinder Williams. His next big picture was "The World According to Garp."

In the 1987 war comedy, "Good Morning, Vietnam," Williams plays military radio DJ in Saigon. His talent as a stand-up comedian shines in the film, despite its grim setting, and he's said to have improvised most of his broadcast scenes. The DJ was popular with the troops, but deemed irreverent by the officers. Williams received a Golden Globe, an Academy Award nomination, and many other accolades.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, the 1991 Peter Pan remake boasts an impressive cast. Alongside Williams as the boy who never wanted to grow up, Julia Roberts played Tinker Bell and Dustin Hoffman was the sinister one-handed Captain Hook. "Robin was a lightning storm of comic genius and our laughter was the thunder that sustained him," said Spielberg, calling Williams a "pal."

Robin Williams took comedy to a new level in the 1993 family film, where he plays the nanny of his character's own children. Due to a divorce, they are living with their mother, who doesn't want any contact to their father. Slipping into the body and mannerisms of an elderly woman, Williams' performance landed the film spot 40 of Bravo's 100 Funniest Movies of All Time.

After years of nominations, it was with the 1997 drama "Good Will Hunting" that Robin Williams finally took home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. He plays a therapist who works with an unsuspecting math genius played by Matt Damon (pictured). The film launched the careers of Damon and co-star Ben Affleck, who also wrote the screenplay.

The 1998 comedy-drama is partially based on a US physician, who later criticized it for reducing him to a "funny" doctor. Williams plays the title role in the film. As a patient in a mental institution, he discovers that humor is his purpose in life and then works his way through medical school. Though the film received mixed reviews, Williams will be remembered with a white coat and red nose.

Robin Williams played former US President Theodore Roosevelt in the "Night at the Museum" series. Pictured is a scene from the first edition in 2006. Current US President Barack Obama was quick to comment on the actor's death: "He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most - from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets."

In one of his last films, Williams again played a US president: Dwight D. Eisenhower in "The Butler" (2013). The film is loosely based on the true story of Cecil Gaines, an African-American butler who served in the White House for 34 years. Williams repeatedly suffered from drug and alcohol abuse, as well as depression. He will remembered, however, as one who gave laughter to millions of people.