Say What? Robin Williams' Most Iconic Character Voices
Academy Award winner Robin Williams passed away on Monday at the age of 63. A star of the big and small screens, his resume boasts prestigious awards and an entire generation that recognizes him as the witty and fast talking Genie from Disney's Aladdin. While Williams introduced himself to a new crop of fans by taking a role in the 1992 film, his filmography is peppered with memorable accents, impressions, and voices we just can't shake.
Below, the 10 most iconic voices of Robin Williams' many colorful characters.
10. Fender (Robots, 2005)
Williams showed off his impressive voiceover work as Fender, a goofy, discombobulated heap of metal who befriends a younger robot trying to make his way in the world.
9. Theodore Roosevelt (Night at the Museum, 2006)
Night at the Museum is packed with characters, but none stand out as much as Williams’ Teddy Roosevelt, our boisterous and aggressive yet lovable 26th president.
8. Batty Koda (FernGully: The Last Rainforest, 1992)
Let's face it: This Australian fruit bat has more flow than any other mammal. Williams brought his animated character to life with a playful, musical style that serves as the film's comic relief.
7. Dr. Know (A.I.: Artificial Intelligence, 2001)
Before pop stars were brought back from the dead through holograms, Williams voiced the three-dimensional character of Dr. Know, a rhyming, Einstein-esque "information system" whose sole purpose was to provide answers to all questions. The calm, vaguely European sound of this futuristic assistant has a subtlety our dear friend Siri lacks.
6. Vladimir Ivanov (Moscow on the Hudson, 1984)
As Vladimir Ivanov, Williams tackled the story – and accent – of a Russian circus performer seeking refuge from the Cold War in the heart of New York City. It wasn't a perfect Russian accent, but an extra dose of Williams' heart made you believe he was a legit Moscow native.
5. Mork (Happy Days, 1978/Mork & Mindy, 1978-82)
After guesting on Happy Days, Williams achieved mainstream success on Mork & Mindy as the friendly yet misplaced alien Mork from planet Ork. With a higher pitch and fast cadence, Mork sounded like he was consistently high on helium, but his enthusiastic delivery made alien phrases like "Na-Nu Na-Nu," "Shazbot," and "KO" pop-culture catchphrases throughout the show's run.
4. Ramon/Lovelace (Happy Feet, 2006)
For the 2006 hit Williams pulled double duty as Ramon, the Latino penguin who loves to sing Frank Sinatra, as well as the wise, old Lovelace. Two very different characters, same Robin Williams charm.
3. Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire (Mrs. Doubtfire, 1993)
As a single dad disguising himself as a delightful British housekeeper, Mrs. Doubtfire's voice is stern yet sweet. Williams opted to jump up an octave or two for his alter ego, and as a result the word "Hello" has never been the same.
2. Popeye (Popeye, 1980)
Williams’ voice, ticks, and muscle-flexing were on point as Popeye, Robert Altman’s live action interpretation of the iconic cartoon. Many have tried impressions of the spinach-eating sailor, but few have actually pulled it off without looking silly.
1. The Genie (Aladdin 1992)
Teaming up with Disney helped introduce Williams to a new generation of fans. And while it was marketed as a children's movie, his Genie had the sensibility of a late-night talk show host meets enigmatic sidekick with multiple personalities. The voice role showed off Williams' skill at impressions, with a rapid-fire display of everything from sheep to grandmother to fashion stylist, and beyond.
[Photo Credit: Getty Images, Disney]