Photo of Peter Weir Peter Weir

Born Aug. 21, 1944, Australian director Peter Weir has made only 14 films since his directing debut in 1971, but they were memorable. Dubbed part of Australia's "New Wave" of journeyman directors, Weir became noted in the 1980s for filming stories about ordinary people who often find themselves in extraordinary circumstances (The Mosquito Coast, The Truman Show and Witness).

During the course of his career, Weir also developed a unique specialty in Hollywood: He showed a talent for transforming established comedy actors (Robin Williams, Jim Carrey) into believable dramatic actors. Married to Wendy Sites in 1966, Weir has two children.

Weir's key films include Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975), Gallipoli (1981), The Year of Living Dangerously (1982), Witness (1985), Dead Poets Society (1989), The Truman Show (1998) and Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003).

Peter Weir in Dead Poets Society

Dead Poets Society

1989 PG

Oscar nominee Robin Williams stars as John Keating, an unconventional teacher who inspires students through poetry. When the school fires him, his devastated students rally behind him, mindful of the ways he has changed their lives.

  • Peter Weir in The Way Back The Way Back
  • Peter Weir in Master and Commander Master and Commander
  • Peter Weir in Gallipoli Gallipoli
  • Peter Weir in Witness Witness
  • Peter Weir in The Truman Show The Truman Show
  • Peter Weir in Picnic at Hanging Rock Picnic at Hanging Rock
  • Peter Weir in The Last Wave The Last Wave
  • Peter Weir in The Cars That Ate Paris The Cars That Ate Paris