MAY 2024:
![Directed by Tom Shadyac, Screenplay by Steve Oedekerk, Based on "Gesundheit: Good Health Is a Laughing Matter" by Patch Adams and Maureen Mylander, Produced by Mike Farrell, Barry Kemp, Marvin Minoff, Charles Newirth, and Marsha Garces Williams, Starring: Robin Williams, Monica Potter, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bob Gunton, Daniel London, Peter Coyote, with Cinematography by Phedon Papamichael Jr., and Edited by Don Zimmerman, with Music by Marc Shaiman, Production companies: Blue Wolf, Bungalow 78 Productions, and Farrell/Minoff, and Distributed by Universal Pictures (1998)](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Patch-Adams-.jpeg?resize=525%2C783&ssl=1)
A Clown Around Healthcare…
Patch Adams is a heartwarming dramedy that captures the essence of compassion, humor, and the power of human connection. Directed by Tom Shadyac and starring the incomparable Robin Williams as the titular character, the film takes viewers on a journey through the life of Dr. Hunter Doherty “Patch” Adams, a man who believes that laughter truly is the best medicine.
![Directed by Tom Shadyac, Screenplay by Steve Oedekerk, Based on "Gesundheit: Good Health Is a Laughing Matter" by Patch Adams and Maureen Mylander, Produced by Mike Farrell, Barry Kemp, Marvin Minoff, Charles Newirth, and Marsha Garces Williams, Starring: Robin Williams, Monica Potter, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bob Gunton, Daniel London, Peter Coyote, with Cinematography by Phedon Papamichael Jr., and Edited by Don Zimmerman, with Music by Marc Shaiman, Production companies: Blue Wolf, Bungalow 78 Productions, and Farrell/Minoff, and Distributed by Universal Pictures (1998)](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Patch-Adams-Header-1024x576.jpeg?ssl=1)
![Director Tom Shadyac arrives at the 8th Annual Education Through Music Los Angeles Benefit Gala at the Skirball Cultural Center on December 10, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Amanda Edwards/WireImage](https://i1.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Tom-Shadyac-.jpeg?ssl=1)
![Robin Williams as Hunter Doherty "Patch" Adams in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i1.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Robin-Williams-1.png?ssl=1)
![Hunter Doherty "Patch" Adams (born May 28, 1945) is an American physician, comedian, social activist, clown, and author. He founded the Gesundheit! Institute as a not-for-profit in 1989. Each year he also organizes volunteers from around the world to travel to various countries where they dress as clowns to bring humor to orphans, patients, and other people. Adams is currently based in Urbana, Illinois. In collaboration with the institute, he promotes an alternative health care model not funded by insurance policies. Photo Credit: @patchadams/X](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Real-Patch-Adams--1024x578.jpeg?ssl=1)
![US doctor and clown Hunter "Patch" Adams (C) jokes with clowns during the photo call of "Clown in' Kabul" shown in special events at the 59th Venice Film festival, 07 September 2002. This film is the story of Hunter " Patch" Adams and 20 other doctors from all over the world, specialists of children, who went to Afghanistan to help children as doctors and clowns during the war. Photo by Gabriel Bouys/AFP via Getty Images](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Patch-Adams-6.jpeg?ssl=1)
![Robin Williams as Hunter Doherty "Patch" Adams in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i2.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Robin-Williams.png?ssl=1)
The movie is set in the late 1960s and early 1970s, a time of societal upheaval and questioning of traditional norms. Against this backdrop, Patch Adams, portrayed by Williams with his signature blend of wit and sincerity, challenges the conventional approach to medicine. Inspired by his own experiences and the teachings of his mentor, Patch envisions a medical practice that prioritizes empathy and human connection over clinical detachment.
![Robin Williams as Hunter Doherty "Patch" Adams in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i2.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Robin-Williams-3-679x1024.png?ssl=1)
![(L to R) Robin Williams, and Monica Potter in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Williams-Potter-1024x695.png?ssl=1)
![Robin Williams as Hunter Doherty "Patch" Adams in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/robin-WIlliams-6-1024x576.png?ssl=1)
![Robin Williams as Hunter Doherty "Patch" Adams in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i2.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RObin-williams-4.png?ssl=1)
![Robin Williams as Hunter Doherty "Patch" Adams in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i1.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Robi-Williams-6-1024x572.png?ssl=1)
At its core, Patch Adams is a celebration of the human spirit and the healing power of laughter. Through his unorthodox methods, Patch seeks to inject joy and laughter into the lives of his patients, recognizing that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. This message is beautifully encapsulated in Patch’s mantra:
“You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you’ll win, no matter what the outcome.”
– Patch Adams (1998)
The film explores Patch’s struggles and triumphs as he navigates the rigid structures of the medical establishment. He faces opposition from his colleagues, including the skeptical Dr. Walcott (played brilliantly by Bob Gunton) and the ambitious Dr. Truman (portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman), who represent the traditional, by-the-book approach to medicine. However, Patch’s unwavering belief in the healing power of laughter ultimately wins over both patients and peers alike.
![Robin Williams and Harve Presnell in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i2.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WIllimas-1024x600.png?ssl=1)
![Bob Gunton as Dean Walcott in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bob-Gunton--1024x424.jpeg?ssl=1)
![Robin Williams as Hunter Doherty "Patch" Adams in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i2.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WIlliams-3-1024x751.png?ssl=1)
![Philip Seymour Hoffman as Mitch Roman in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i1.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Philip-Seymour-Hoffman--1024x576.png?ssl=1)
![(L to R) Robin Williams, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i1.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Robin-Williams-and-Phillip-Seymour-Hoffman.png?ssl=1)
![(L to R) Monica Potter, and Robin Williams in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i1.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Monica-Potter-and-Robin-Williams.png?ssl=1)
Monica Potter delivers a touching performance as Carin Fisher, Patch’s love interest and fellow medical student. Their relationship adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the personal sacrifices and emotional toll of Patch’s crusade for compassionate care.
![Monica Potter as Carin Fisher in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Monica-Potter.png?ssl=1)
![(L to R) Monica Potter, and Robin Williams in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Monica-Potter-2-1024x651.png?ssl=1)
![(L to R) Monica Potter, and Robin Williams in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Monica-Potter-4-1024x648.png?ssl=1)
![(L to R) Robin Williams, and Monica Potter in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i2.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Monica-Potter-5-1024x674.png?ssl=1)
![(L to R) Monica Potter, and Robin Williams in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i1.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Monica-Ppotter-3-1024x673.png?ssl=1)
The supporting cast, including Daniel London as Truman Schiff, Patch’s classmate and Peter Coyote as Bill Davis, Patch’s terminal patient, provide solid performances that complement Williams’ charismatic presence.
![Daniel London as Truman Schiff in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Daniel-London-.jpeg?ssl=1)
![(L to R) Robin Williams, and Daniel London in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i1.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Daniel-London-2.jpeg?ssl=1)
![(L to R) Robin Williams, and Daniel London in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Daniel-London-3.jpeg?ssl=1)
![Peter Coyote as Bill Davis in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i2.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Peter-Coyote-3.jpeg?ssl=1)
![(L to R) Robin Williams, and Peter Coyote in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i1.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Peter-Coyote-2.jpeg?ssl=1)
![Peter Coyote as Bill Davis in "Patch Adams" (1998) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Getty Images](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Peter-Coyote-.jpeg?ssl=1)
While Patch Adams takes liberties with the true story of Dr. Hunter Doherty “Patch” Adams, it stays true to the spirit of his philosophy and mission. Dr. Adams, born on May 28, 1945, is not only a physician but also a comedian, social activist, clown, and author. His unconventional approach to medicine, as documented in the book Gesundheit!: Bringing Good Health to You, the Medical System, and Society through Physician Service, Complementary Therapies, Humor, and Joy has inspired countless individuals to reevaluate their perceptions of healthcare.
![The American physician, social activist, clown, and author Hunter Doherty "Patch " Adams attends a conference as part of the International Festival of Social Innovation FiiS 2015 at Bicentennial Park Vitacura on October 24, 2015 in Santiago, Chile. Photo by Sebastian Vivallo Onate/Agencia Makro/LatinContent via Getty Images](https://i1.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Patch-Adams-2.jpeg?ssl=1)
![Clown Care, also known as hospital clowning, is a program in health care facilities involving visits from specially trained clowns. They are colloquially called "clown doctors" which is a trademarked name in several countries. These visits to hospitals have been shown to help in lifting patients' moods with the positive power of hope and humor. There is also an associated positive benefit to the staff and families of patients. Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Clown-Care--1024x769.jpeg?ssl=1)
![In 1971, Dr. Adams and a few colleagues founded the Gesundheit Institute in Northern Virginia. During the next 12 years, they operated a home-based family medical practice and managed to treat over 15,000 people without payment, malpractice insurance, or formal facilities. Royalties will fund the Gesundheit Institute, a 40-bed free hospital in West Virginia. Published: January 1, 1992 Publisher: Robert Heard Publishing](https://i2.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Gesundheit-Good-Health-Is-a-Laughing-Matter-by-Dr.-Adams-and-Maureen-Mylander.jpeg?ssl=1)
![The American physician, social activist, clown, and author Hunter Doherty "Patch " Adams attends a conference as part of the International Festival of Social Innovation FiiS 2015 at Bicentennial Park Vitacura on October 24, 2015 in Santiago, Chile. Photo by Sebastian Vivallo Onate/Agencia Makro/LatinContent via Getty Images](https://i2.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Patch-Adams-4.jpeg?ssl=1)
![American physician, social activist, clown, and author Dr. Patch Adams delivers a speech during opening ceremony of the 1st Annual Ascent Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center, on February 28 .The Ascent Expo, produced by eWorld Media, is an assemblage of cultural creativity, conscientious capitalism, and philanthropy to explore the future of commerce, sustainability, environmentalism, health, and self-actualization. Photo by Mintaha Neslihan Eroglu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Patch-Adams-7.jpeg?ssl=1)
Patch Adams is a touching and uplifting film that reminds us of the importance of empathy, laughter, and human connection in healing. Anchored by Robin Williams’ captivating performance and supported by a talented ensemble cast, it is a testament to the enduring legacy of Dr. Hunter Doherty “Patch” Adams and his vision of a more compassionate healthcare system.
![Directed by Tom Shadyac, Screenplay by Steve Oedekerk, Based on "Gesundheit: Good Health Is a Laughing Matter" by Patch Adams and Maureen Mylander, Produced by Mike Farrell, Barry Kemp, Marvin Minoff, Charles Newirth, and Marsha Garces Williams, Starring: Robin Williams, Monica Potter, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bob Gunton, Daniel London, Peter Coyote, with Cinematography by Phedon Papamichael Jr., and Edited by Don Zimmerman, with Music by Marc Shaiman, Production companies: Blue Wolf, Bungalow 78 Productions, and Farrell/Minoff, and Distributed by Universal Pictures (1998)](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Patch-Adams-Header.png?resize=525%2C374&ssl=1)
Patch Adams is available to rent on all streaming platforms…
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