Exploring the 1980 Timeless Classic ‘Popeye’: A Nostalgic Dive into Robin Williams’ Iconic Role

Story by Mitchell Smith

Hello everybody today I’m taking a look at the 1980 timeless classic movie Popeye. Popeye started out in a comic strip in 1929 by E.C. Segar based on real life Frank Fiegel. Popeye became an animated character in 1933 and would become a well known and popular character. As a kid I remember watching Popeye just about every day after school. When it came time for Hollywood to tackle a live action movie they were brilliant casting the perfect actors for this musical.

Robin Williams took on the roll of Popeye and played the part perfectly. Alongside Williams Shelly Duval who recently passed away at age 75 was his beloved Olive Oyl. Paul Smith was cast as Bluto Popeye’s competitor for Olive’s affection. Paul Dooley who turned 96 this year played the lovable Wimpy.

Linda Hunt, Donavan Scott, and the late great Ray Walston as Popeye’s long lost father, rounded out the cast for this comedic classic. I think this would have been such a fun set to be on. Such a great cast of comic actors made this one of my favorite movies growing up. Have a great week everybody.