Robin Williams gave a lot of advice. Whether in character or as himself, he was universally perceived as someone who knew things the rest of us had somehow missed. He often suggested reaching out for help and from what we know, he took his own advice more than once. Whether on reaching out or fighting indifference, his words carry as much power now as they ever did.
Warning: Some of the scenes below contain spoilers
In 2013 Williams participated in a question and answer session on the social media site, Reddit. He was asked everything from the kind of animal he would be (dolphin) to his recipe for success.
Good Will Hunting
As a therapist in Good Will Hunting Williams plays a psychologist helping a brilliant, but troubled young man find his identity.
In this scene Williams and his client, played by Matt Damon, speak about the myth of perfection in a scene that even had the cameraman laughing.
Another moment occurs as Williams and Damon speak about the experience of love vs the idea of love.
Dead Poets Society
In this scene from Dead Poets Society Williams, playing an unconventional English professor at an exclusive boys school dares his students to think independently and embrace the power of the poetry they’re studying.
In the same film he offers this advice on finding a voice,
Fisher King
In this scene from Fisher King Williams plays a homeless “knight” intent on saving and comforting the forgotten. His speech is aimed at two youths beating up a troubled character played by Jeff Bridges.
Awakenings
Williams plays a doctor who has, at least temporarily, helped patients come out of decades-long catatonic states. Far from viewing the experiment as a failure, in this scene he summarizes what he and his patients learned.
Patch Adams
This scene not only contains a bonus appearance by Phillip Seymour Hoffman, but features an impassioned Williams speaking about empowering patients to also be doctor who offers treatment and comfort to others who suffer.