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.