Robin Williams would have turned 74 today. And though he’s no longer physically with us, the beloved actor, comedian, and advocate remains etched into the hearts of those who grew up watching him — and those just discovering his magic now.
Robin Williams was born on this day in 1951.
It’s been 10 years, and this one still hurts. pic.twitter.com/vG1b7whg2w— The Sting (@TheStingisBack) July 21, 2025
For many, Robin Williams was more than just an actor. He was the first person who made them feel seen, made them laugh until they cried, or even helped them understand that being different is something to embrace. Whether it was as the genie in Aladdin, the irreverent teacher in Dead Poets Society, or the heartbroken but wise therapist in Good Will Hunting, Williams always brought a rare blend of humor, humanity, and soul to his characters.
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But it was his unforgettable role in Mrs. Doubtfire that particularly resonated with the LGBTQ+ community. In the 1993 classic, Williams played Daniel Hillard, a recently divorced father so desperate to stay in his children’s lives that he transforms into a Scottish nanny named Mrs. Iphegenia Doubtfire — fake breasts, prosthetic nose, and all.
Was it a perfect film? By today’s standards, maybe not. Some of the jokes haven’t aged well, and the drag stereotypes were a product of the time. But even then, Mrs. Doubtfire broke ground. It was among the first mainstream films to address non-traditional families with humor and heart. Williams’ co-star Harvey Fierstein — an openly gay actor — played Frank, Daniel’s supportive and fabulous brother who helped bring Mrs. Doubtfire to life. The film didn’t just entertain; it opened the door for conversations about identity, love, and the different forms family can take.
Subtle as it was, Mrs. Doubtfire made space for LGBTQ+ visibility at a time when it was still rare in family films. The same-sex relationship between Frank and his partner Jack was portrayed with normalcy and warmth, and even the film’s soundtrack, with songs like Dude (Looks Like a Lady) and Walk Like a Man, added a layer of playful gender commentary. It’s no surprise the film earned an Oscar for Best Makeup and a BAFTA nomination for Best Hair and Makeup — but its real triumph was emotional.
Robin Williams was also vocal about his support for the LGBTQ+ community in real life. With his signature warmth, he once joked about his rescue pug Leonard: “He has a boyfriend and they are planning to adopt a Siamese kitten together. We’re very modern.” That blend of humor and heart was what made Robin so loved — he could say something silly while delivering something deeply affirming underneath.
He continued that support in The Birdcage (1996), where he played Armand Goldman, the openly gay owner of a drag cabaret, in a reimagining of La Cage aux Folles. Williams took on the role with compassion and dignity. “If I can use my celebrity status to draw people into a movie theatre to see me perform as an admirable gay man and thereby make them a little more positive about gay people,” he once said, “why wouldn’t I do it?”
And he kept going. In one of his final films, Boulevard (2015), Williams played a closeted married man who falls in love with a young male sex worker and is finally forced to confront his truth. “It was powerful to do,” he shared about the role — and you could tell he meant it.
finally we can find out if bob odenkirk is demure#nw Boulevard 2014 // Dito Montiel
🎭 Robin Williams, Kathy Baker, Eléonore Hendricks, J. Karen Thomas, Sondra Morton Chaffin, Steven Randazzo pic.twitter.com/Fap4F3uhmy— bash “bashfoal” logan ❤️🖤🤍💚 (@bashfoal) August 21, 2024
That’s the thing about Robin Williams. He meant it. Every laugh, every tear, every wild impression — they all came from a place of deep empathy. And while his life ended far too soon at 63, following a battle with depression and a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, his legacy continues to inspire generations.
Robin Williams wasn’t just a comic genius or a Hollywood star. He was, and always will be, a kind soul who used his voice — silly, serious, and everything in between — to make the world feel a little warmer and more accepting.
So if you haven’t yet experienced the joy of watching Mrs. Doubtfire, the hilarity of The Birdcage, or the heartfelt lessons of Dead Poets Society, now’s the perfect time. Because when you watch Robin Williams, you’re not just watching a movie — you’re watching a masterclass in humanity.
Remembering Robin Williams on his Birthday
July 21st 1951~August 11th 2014🖤 pic.twitter.com/P5V0KOUzDM— 🔪🔪Jeanne Loves Horror🔪🔪 (@1carolinagirl) July 21, 2025
Happy heavenly birthday, Robin. Thank you for making us laugh, cry, and, most of all, feel understood.