Patch Adams is a 1998 American semi-biographical comedy-drama movie directed by Tom Shadyac. It stars Robin Williams. It is based on the life story of Dr. Hunter "Patch" Adams and the book "Gesundheit: Good Health is a Laughing Matter" by Adams and Maureen Mylander. Besides having mixed reviews, the movies was a box-office success, grossing over twice its budget in the United States alone.