It's still hard to believe that Robin Williams is no longer with us and will no longer make us laugh in new films. The funnyman's passing remains a shock for many of his colleagues and his fans. While Robin Williams' death is still a fresh wound, fans, both male and female, can pay tribute to the actor's roles, his life, and his comedic legacy this Halloween by dressing in Robin Williams Halloween costumes. The fact that so many of his roles have become iconic and are woven into the fabric of pop culture is a testament to Williams' God-given gifts and talents as an entertainer who always, always made us laugh until our stomachs hurt or until we were grabbing our sides.
It turns out that several of Williams' most memorable characters — his titular Mrs. Doubtfire, the role which Williams was to reprise in the sequel; Matt Damon's therapist in Good Will Hunting; the voice of the Genie in Aladdin — are easy to recreate this Halloween with a simple trip to the mall, to the local thrift shop, or to a Halloween specialty store. It's inexpensive and easy, but it can also be a lot of fun for both males and females. Sorta like Mrs. Doubtfire herself, right?
Williams' nuanced performance as Mrs. Doubtfire was a flawlessly executed, capturing both the emotions of a conflicted father and the parody of an elderly but sassafras nanny.
He was also faboosh and flamboyant in The Birdcage. Both roles are super fun to emulate in costume. Here are five ways to pay tribute to Robin Williams this Halloween in costume character form.
1. Mrs. Doubtfire
Wig, $30, Amazon | Skirt, $28, Amazon | Cardigan, $30, Amazon | Clogs, $85, Amazon | Orthopedic Stockings, $25, Amazon |
Euphegenia Doubtfire had her own unique style. It was fugly, but it was DNA distinct. Hit your fave thrift spot and grab an ankle-skimming skirt and an oversized cardi. Pair ugly, orthopedic, and sensible clogs with surgical-like stockings that roll down below your knee and nab cheapie reading glasses that can be thrifted or purchased at a drugstore. Spend a little cash on the wig. There, you're a cross-dressing nanny from the U.K. with an axe to grind with your ex-wife's suave new BF.
2. Popeye
Popeye Costume, $30, Amazon
Williams played the spinach-eating, pipe-smoking, anchor tattoo-having, and muscular sailor in 1980. The costume is already assembled and it's pretty universal. You can add your own touches, like a can of spinach. Find someone to dress up as Olive Oyl and go as a couple.
3. Dr. Sean Maguire Of Good Will Hunting
Baggy Black Trousers, $15, Amazon | Gray Blazer, $13, Amazon
Williams pretty much put Matt Damon and Ben Affleck on the A-list map. He starred as Dr. Sean Maguire in their Good Will Hunting. You don't need to raid grandpa's closet for this one. Thrift away, or go to Walmart, and come back with baggy black trousers, a bulky cardi, and a gray blazer and you, too, can look like a psychologist to a genius-slash-custodian.
4. The Genie in Aladdin
Aladdin Genie Costume, $38, Amazon
This one is strictly for the ladies. The Genie in Aladdin is one of Williams' most beloved roles, but it was a voice role and the character is animated. There are lots of pretty genie-like costumes at Halloween-themed and party stores. This is a not-so-obvious way to pay homage to Williams, Robin.
5. Armand Goldman, The Birdcage
Hawaiian Shirt, $25, Amazon | Baseball Cap, $7, Amazon | Gold Chains, $8, Amazon
Williams played flamboyant and hairy-chested South Beach drag club owner Armand Goldman in The Birdcage to much critical acclaim. He was over-the-top but his performance had depth. His fashion sense was campy and is another thrift job, where you can pick up a loud Hawaiian print shirt, a white baseball cap, and more gold chains than Mr. T. Get an extreme 'stache at a costume shop and maybe do a makeshift yeti bag look with some faux chest hair. It shouldn't cost you more than $50.
