Awakenings
December 4, 1990
Overview
Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician, uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. Leonard is the first patient to receive the controversial treatment. His awakening, filled with awe and enthusiasm, proves a rebirth for Sayer too, as the exuberant patient...More
Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician, uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. Leonard is the first patient to receive the controversial treatment. His awakening, filled with awe and enthusiasm, proves a rebirth for Sayer too, as the exuberant patient reveals life's simple but unutterably sweet pleasures to the introverted doctor.
Cast and crew
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Penny Marshall
Director
Robert De Niro
Leonard Lowe
Robin Williams
Malcolm Sayer
John Heard
Dr. Kaufman
Julie Kavner
Eleanor Costello
Penelope Ann Miller
Paula
Ruth Nelson
Mrs. Lowe
Max von Sydow
Peter Ingham
Anne Meara
Miriam
Dexter Gordon
Rolando
George Martin
Frank
Alice Drummond
Lucy Fishman
Richard Libertini
Sidney
Laura Esterman
Lolly
Barton Heyman
Bert
Judith Malina
Rose
Mary Alice
Nurse Margaret
Keith Diamond
Anthony
Bradley Whitford
Dr. Tyler
John Christopher Jones
Dr. Sullivan
MCW
Mary Catherine Wright
Nurse Beth
JH
Jayne Haynes
Frances
Le Clanché du Rand
Magda
Yusef Bulos
Joseph
Steven Randazzo
Luis
GH
Gloria Harper
Dottie
GE
Gwyllum Evans
Desmond
Steve Vinovich
Ray
Tiger Haynes
Janitor
HM
Harvey Miller
Hospital Director
TB
Tanya Berezin
Psychiatrist
Peter Stormare
Neurochemist
SF
Shane Fistell
Man in Hall
WA
Waheedah Ahmad
Hysterical Woman
Charles Keating
Mr. Kean
CH
Christina Huertes
Christina
LB
Linda Burns
Fishsticks
JJ
Judy Jacksina
Hospital Receptionist
GT
Gary Tacon
George
RE
Rico Elias
Orderly #1
Mel Gorham
Nurse Sara
CC
Chris Carolan
EEG Technician
DK
Debra Kovner-Zaks
Cafeteria Nurse
MR
Max Rabinowitz
Ward #5 Orderly
GJW
Gordon Joseph Weiss
Ward #5 Patient
Byron Utley
Ward #5 Patient #2
AM
Anthony McGowen
Ward #5 Patient #3
PM
Paul Montgomery
Ward #5 Patient #4
LT
Leonard Tepper
Ward #5 Patient #5
Vincent Pastore
Ward #5 Patient #6
HF
Howard Feller
Ward #5 Patient #7
LT
Libby Titus
Club Singer
MH
Michael Hyde
Bus Driver
TN
Tomislav Novakovic
Bartender
AB
Adam Bryant
Librarian
AJN
Anthony J. Nici
Young Leonard
OB
Oliver Block
Leonard's Friend #1
BS
Buck Smith
Leonard's Friend #2
JEM
Joan E. MacIntosh
Teacher
Harry L. Seddon
Medical Student
Jack Mulcahy
Psych Ward Intern
JWF
Jason W. Fuchs
Pot-Head Hippie
Vin Diesel
Hospital Orderly (uncredited)