exciting to wear tights and have 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 prep school version of his stand-up style. >> why do i stand up here? anybody. >> to feel taller. >> no. thank you for playing. >> good morning, vietnam! >> reporter: and as the crazy wartime deejay adrian in "good morning, vietnam." in "the birdcage," he was the flamboyant gay father. in "mrs. doubtfire," a sort of cross-dressing mary