Robin Williams, Actor

Tim Grierson:

The truth is that Williams' career will stand as the signature comedy template of recent times. He's not the only funny actor to transition into dramatic roles, but his path was the most vigorous in both directions. Broad comedies, family films, supernatural dramas, animation, dark character pieces, blockbusters, indies, shameless Oscar bait, crap like Old Dogs: He tried just about everything imaginable, and he always dove in. No matter the darkness that ultimately consumed him, he always seemed to enjoy performing, entertaining, being famous. He made it not seem like a burden, but rather a lark.