people say, i can't see anything. someone get him a dagger. >> reporter: the big screen was better able to capture a personality his size. among his first roles, one of the most iconic cartoon heroes. >> i'm popeye the sailor. >> reporter: williams came into his own when he started playing offbeat heroes with a strong streak of humanity. garp in "the world according to garp." >> my name is t.s. garp. >> seize the day. >> reporter: the loveable teacher in "dead poet's society," almost a button-down collar version of his prep school style. >> why do i stand up here? nick. >> to be taller. >> no. thank you for playing. >> good morning, vietnam! >> reporter: and as the crazy war "time" deejay adrienne in "good morning, vietnam." in "the birdcage," he was the flamboyant gay father.