Few comedians have stirred the emotions of audiences like the legendary Robin Williams did. Known for his hilariously frenetic style as a standup comedian, he radiated warmth throughout his career as an actor and performer.
Williams became a household name with his wacky portrayal of the alien Mork in the 1970s sitcom Mork & Mindy. He went on to star in iconic films during the ’80s and ’90s, endearing himself to audiences as the beloved professor in Dead Poets Society, headlining popular family favorites such as Hook, Aladdin, and Mrs. Doubtfire, and capturing hearts as the empathetic therapist in Good Will Hunting.
Williams’ exuberant humor and vulnerability made an indelible impression on viewers, and though his untimely death in 2014 was heartbreaking to fans across the world, he left behind a body of work as funny as it is uplifting. In honor of this singular talent, here are some of Williams’ best jokes and inspirational words of wisdom.
There’s a world out there. Open a window, and it’s there.
If it’s the Psychic Network, why do they need a phone number?
If heaven exists, to know that there are laughs, that would be a great thing.
Do you think that God gets stoned once in a while? Look at the platypus. I think so.
If you can remember the '60s, you weren’t there.
I think the saddest people always try their hardest to make people happy. Because they know what it feels like to feel absolutely worthless and they don't want anybody else to feel like that.
I thought lacrosse was what you find in la church.
Now that you have a child, you have to clean up your act. 'Cause you can’t drink anymore. You can’t come home drunk and go, "Hey, here’s a little switch: Daddy’s gonna throw up on you!"
I wonder what chairs think about all day. "Oh, here comes another a**hole."
Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves?
Death is nature’s way of saying, "Your table’s ready."
You're only given one little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it.
Photo credit: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
