Robin Williams's Cinematic Journey

By Kate Holtz — Staff writer for Massive Action Media covering entertainment news, including music, film, and celebrity lifestyles.

Early Career: Before Fame

Robin Williams began his career as a stand-up comedian in San Francisco and Los Angeles during the mid-1970s. A graduate of Juilliard, he gained early television exposure through guest appearances on variety shows. His big break came not in film, but in television when he was cast as the alien Mork in Mork & Mindy (1978–1982), a role that showcased his manic energy and improvisational brilliance.

Breakthrough: The Role That Made Him a Star

Williams became a household name at age 27 when Mork & Mindy premiered in 1978. It wasn’t long before he transitioned to film, earning his first Academy Award nomination for Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) at age 36, solidifying his place in Hollywood as both a comedic force and a dramatic actor.

🎬 Major Roles by Age

1978–1982 (Age 27–31) – Mork & Mindy (TV) ⭐ 7.1/10

1980 (Age 29) – Popeye ⭐ 5.3/10

1982 (Age 31) – The World According to Garp ⭐ 7.1/10

1984 (Age 33) – Moscow on the Hudson ⭐ 6.5/10

1986 (Age 35) – Club Paradise ⭐ 5.0/10

1987 (Age 36) – Good Morning, Vietnam ⭐ 7.3/10

1988 (Age 37) – The Adventures of Baron Munchausen ⭐ 7.1/10

1989 (Age 38) – Dead Poets Society ⭐ 8.1/10

1990 (Age 39) – Cadillac Man ⭐ 5.7/10

1990 (Age 39) – Awakenings ⭐ 7.8/10

1991 (Age 40) – The Fisher King ⭐ 7.5/10

1991 (Age 40) – Hook ⭐ 6.8/10

1992 (Age 41) – Aladdin (voice of Genie) ⭐ 8.0/10

1993 (Age 42) – Mrs. Doubtfire ⭐ 7.1/10

1995 (Age 44) – Jumanji ⭐ 7.0/10

1995 (Age 44) – Nine Months ⭐ 5.6/10

1996 (Age 45) – The Birdcage ⭐ 7.1/10

1996 (Age 45) – Jack ⭐ 5.8/10

1997 (Age 46) – Fathers' Day ⭐ 5.2/10

1997 (Age 46) – Flubber ⭐ 5.4/10

1997 (Age 46) – Good Will Hunting ⭐ 8.3/10

1998 (Age 47) – Patch Adams ⭐ 6.8/10

1999 (Age 48) – Jakob the Liar ⭐ 6.5/10

1999 (Age 48) – Bicentennial Man ⭐ 6.9/10

2002 (Age 51) – Insomnia ⭐ 7.2/10

2002 (Age 51) – One Hour Photo ⭐ 6.8/10

2004 (Age 53) – The Final Cut ⭐ 6.1/10

2005 (Age 54) – Robots (voice) ⭐ 6.4/10

2006 (Age 55) – Man of the Year ⭐ 6.2/10

2006 (Age 55) – RV ⭐ 5.6/10

2006 (Age 55) – Night at the Museum ⭐ 6.4/10

2007 (Age 56) – License to Wed ⭐ 5.2/10

2009 (Age 58) – World’s Greatest Dad ⭐ 6.9/10

2009 (Age 58) – Old Dogs ⭐ 5.4/10

2011 (Age 60) – The Big Wedding ⭐ 5.6/10

2013–2014 (Age 62–63) – The Crazy Ones (TV) ⭐ 7.0/10

2014 (Age 62) – Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb ⭐ 6.2/10

2015 (Age 63) – Boulevard ⭐ 5.8/10

Later Career & Legacy

In his later years, Williams continued to balance comedic and dramatic roles, though he quietly battled depression and health challenges. He passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable characters, boundless energy, and emotional depth. With roles ranging from Mrs. Doubtfire to Good Will Hunting, Robin Williams remains one of the most beloved and versatile actors in film history.

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About the Author

Kate Holtz is senior editor and staff writer for Massive Action Media. Born in Miami, Florida, she earned her bachelor's degree in journalism from Miami Dade College before relocating to Los Angeles. With over 20 years of experience, Kate covers music, film, celebrity lifestyle, action sports, and more.

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