Williams starred as radio personality Adrian Cronauer in the war comedy Good Morning, Vietnam, earning an Oscar nomination.

Williams played inspirational English teacher John Keating in the coming-of-age drama Dead Poets Society, earning another Oscar nomination.

Williams starred as an eccentric homeless man in the comedy-drama film The Fisher King, earning his third Oscar nomination.

Williams won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as a psychology professor in Good Will Hunting.