In Memory of Robin Williams - “Patch Adams”
- Matt Palmer
- Aug 10, 2025
- 3 min read
Continuing on with my “In Memory of Robin Williams” series, I recently checked out his 1998 film “Patch Adams.” This film is based on the life story of medical doctor Hunter “Patch” Adams and the book “Gesundheit: Good Health Is A Laughing Matter” by Adams and Maureen Mylander.
After struggling with depression in a mental hospital, Hunter “Patch” Adams decides he wants to become a doctor. He enrolls at Virginia Medical University but is disillusioned by the school’s clinical perspective on patient care.
With the aid of a wealthy friend, Adams opens his own medical clinic for those without insurance. He forms a deep bond with fellow medical student Carin Fisher before a tragedy causes Adams to re-evaluate his approach.
When “Patch Adams” opened in theaters in 1998, the film opened with a mixed reception between critics and audiences. Now, while some of the initial reviews have said that some of the film can be cheesy and an inaccurate portrayal of the main character, I think it’s still a fine film to watch.
The 1998 Robin Williams film does a decent job delivering some emotional, inspiring moments, along with some truly great laughs provided by Robin Williams.
One of the most memorable moments in this film is when Patch Adams visits children with cancer and uses playful antics to bring laughter and joy to them. Throughout that scene, Adams uses props and songs, which not only entertains the children but also improves their outlook and emotional well-being.
The film delivers numerous moments like that one that does a great job blending dramatic/emotional moments with humor. There’s also an infamous quote from Patch Adams that highlights his belief in the positive effects of laughter: “Humor is an anecdote to all ills.”
While many people have said online that they appreciated the film’s celebration of humor as a tool for healing and connection, the film’s core message about the importance of compassion, empathy, and the human connection in healthcare can easily resonate with people.
Like most films based on a true story, “Patch Adams” took numerous liberties with the real life story of Hunter “Patch” Adams,” most notable his age. While Robin Williams did an amazing job (as always) portraying the character, the real Patch Adams was only 26 when he started medical school, while Williams was 47 at the time of the film’s release.
While the 1998 film may not be a completely accurate portrayal of his life, the film can still be a touching, inspiring story with some very good laughs.
Trivia: During filming, Williams and the rest of the cast and crew worked closely with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to fulfill the fantasies of several children who were at the time undergoing cancer treatment. The children appeared with Williams in scenes of the pediatric ward. One of the film’s producers, Mike Farrell, met Patch Adams when Adams served as an advisor to the TV series “MASH,” in which Farrell played the character BJ Hennicutt.
MPA: Rated PG-13 for some strong language and crude humor (runtime 115 minutes)
You can find “Patch Adams” on various PVOD rental services.
During filming, Robin Williams and the rest of the cast and crew worked closely with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to fulfill the fantasies of several children who were at the time undergoing cancer treatment. The children appeared with Williams in scenes at the pediatric ward.
Patch Adams said that whenever the film's production would get stressful, Robin Williams would improvise a comedy set to make the cast and crew laugh.
One of the film's producers, Mike Farrell, met Patch Adams when Adams served as an advisor to the TV series M*A*S*H (1972), in which Farrell played B.J. Hunnicutt, one of the Army doctors.
Robin Williams accepted the lead role because he was previously offered Jim Carrey's role of Fletcher Reede in director Tom Shadyac's previous film Liar Liar (1997). Williams declined that role and the film went on to become an enormous box office success. As a result he asked Shadyac if he could have a role in his next film which turned out to be this movie. Shadyac offered it to him and he immediately accepted.
In 2014, co-stars Philip Seymour Hoffman and Robin Williams died within nearly six months of each other. Hoffman died on February 2nd, and Williams died on August 11th.
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