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.
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
Mary Catherine Wright Nurse Beth
Jayne Haynes Frances
Le Clanché du Rand Magda
Yusef Bulos Joseph
Steven Randazzo Luis
Gloria Harper Dottie
Gwyllum Evans Desmond
Steve Vinovich Ray
Tiger Haynes Janitor
Harvey Miller Hospital Director
Tanya Berezin Psychiatrist
Peter Stormare Neurochemist
Shane Fistell Man in Hall
Waheedah Ahmad Hysterical Woman
Charles Keating Mr. Kean
Christina Huertes Christina
Linda Burns Fishsticks
Judy Jacksina Hospital Receptionist
Gary Tacon George
Rico Elias Orderly #1
Mel Gorham Nurse Sara
Chris Carolan EEG Technician
Debra Kovner-Zaks Cafeteria Nurse
Bret McCormick Head Ward Orderly
Gordon Joseph Weiss Ward #5 Patient
Byron Utley Ward #5 Patient #2
Anthony McGowen Ward #5 Patient #3
Paul Montgomery Ward #5 Patient #4
Leonard Tepper Ward #5 Patient #5
Vincent Pastore Ward #5 Patient #6
Howard Feller Ward #5 Patient #7
Libby Titus Club Singer
Michael Hyde Bus Driver
Tomislav Novakovic Bartender
Adam Bryant Librarian
Anthony J. Nici Young Leonard
Oliver Block Leonard's Friend #1
Buck Smith Leonard's Friend #2
Joan E. MacIntosh Teacher
Harry L. Seddon Medical Student
Jack Mulcahy Psych Ward Intern
Jason W. Fuchs Pot-Head Hippie
Vin Diesel Hospital Orderly (uncredited)