Article image

12 Robin Williams Quotes to Make You Smile

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.

Share Quote

If it’s the Psychic Network, why do they need a phone number?

Share Quote

If heaven exists, to know that there are laughs, that would be a great thing.

Share Quote

Do you think that God gets stoned once in a while? Look at the platypus. I think so.

Share Quote

If you can remember the '60s, you weren’t there.

Share Quote

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.

Share Quote

I thought lacrosse was what you find in la church.

Share Quote

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!"

Share Quote

I wonder what chairs think about all day. "Oh, here comes another a**hole."

Share Quote

Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves?

Share Quote

Death is nature’s way of saying, "Your table’s ready."

Share Quote

You're only given one little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it.

Share Quote

Photo credit: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

Author image
About the Author
Ryan Mazer
Ryan Mazer is a video producer and comedy writer living in New York City.
Play more header background
Play more icon
Daily Question
Who said, "We tell ourselves stories in order to live"?

More Inspiration

happiness theme icon

The time to make up your mind about people, is never.

separator icon
Philip Barry
motivation theme icon

We can smile and relax. Everything we want is right here in the present moment.

separator icon
Thích Nhất Hạnh
hope theme icon

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.

separator icon
Dolly Parton
love theme icon

Stay close to any sounds that make you glad you are alive.

separator icon
Hafez
wisdom theme icon

The smallest deed is better than the grandest intention.

separator icon
Anonymous
happiness theme icon

Maybe happiness isn’t what you believe, but who you believe.

separator icon
Phoebe Waller-Bridge
motivation theme icon

Freedom is something that dies unless it’s used.

separator icon
Hunter S. Thompson
hope theme icon

Don't allow your rituals to become ruts.

separator icon
Todd Henry
love theme icon

Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.

separator icon
Eleanor Roosevelt
wisdom theme icon

Only the curious have something to find.

separator icon
Sean Watkins
happiness theme icon

Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.

separator icon
Bertrand Russell