Awakenings

There is no such thing as a simple miracle.

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)

Max Rabinowitz

(Ward #5 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))