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EXCLUSIVE: ‘I woke up this morning, before I knew he died, thinking about a character I would love him to play': Happy Feet director George Miller left 'shocked' by close friend Robin Williams' death

Published: 20:19 EST, 11 August 2014 | Updated: 03:49 EST, 12 August 2014

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They became very close while working together on both Happy Feet movies, so it was with great sadness that George Miller spoke about Robin Williams’ sudden passing on Tuesday morning.

The famed Australian film director told Daily Mail Australia that: ‘It will be hard to think of a world without such a comedic genius.

‘Robin was one of a kind. He had incandescent intelligence. He could not have put out all of that humour unless he was a fierce observer of human behaviour.

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Close: They became very close while working together on both Happy Feet movies so it was with great sadness that George Miller spoke to Daily Mail Australia about Robin Williams' sudden passing on Monday

RIP: The famed Australian film director, pictured with the comedic genius at the Happy Feet 2 premiere in Sydney in December 2011, said he was 'shocked' at his sudden passing

‘In his private moments he was dazzling in the way he would observe the world. He’s insight was quite amazing,’ he added.

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The legendary Mad Max director had planned to work with the 63-year-old Mrs. Doubtfire actor in the future and even revealed to Daily Mail Australia that he woke up on Tuesday morning, before he heard of his death, thinking of a new part for Williams to play.

‘I had plans to work with him in the future. It was fantastic to see someone like that, someone who got such joy out of giving joy to others,' he said.

‘I woke up this morning - before I knew he died - thinking about a character I would love for him to play.

Robin Williams discusses favourite things about Australia

Aware: Miller knew of Williams's mental health issues and said that the funnyman spoke openly about it, even poking fun at himself

Thinking ahead: The Babe director had planned to work with the 63-year-old Mrs. Doubtfire actor in the future

‘I wasn’t dreaming about him but thinking about him. I often do that with characters.’

The Babe director said he was shocked to hear that the legendary comic actor was found dead at his home in Tiburon, California, from an apparent suicide. The Marin County Coroner said the cause of death was believed to be suicide due to asphyxia.

‘I was shocked. He was so alive. It’s just hard to conceive his absence.’

In his thoughts: Miller said he was thinking of the actor, seen here in character of one of his most famed roles of Mrs. Doubtfire, before he heard abut his death

Oscar winner: 'The paradox of someone who could make everyone laugh, yet there was that deep sorrow at the same time,' Miller said

Miller knew of Williams' mental health issues and said that the funnyman spoke openly about it, even poking fun at himself.

‘He was very open about his issues, it was part of his humour but like everyone else I was not aware it was so bad,' he explained.

‘The paradox of someone who could make everyone laugh, yet there was that deep sorrow at the same time,' he added.

Partner: Williams's third wife Susan Schneider confirmed the tragic news and spoke of her 'profound grief'

Miller also reminisced about working with him on animated comedies Happy Feet 1 and 2, where he said he really got to know Williams.

‘He’s improvisations were so much better than what we wrote – they were better than the screenplay.

'I remember one trailer that was full of his improvisation lines,' he laughed.

Williams also worked with another famed Australian director, Peter Weir, on the 1989 movie Dead Poets Society, which won an Academy Award for best original screenplay.

Robin Williams has audio issues during Jana Wendt interview

Williams’s third wife Susan Schneider confirmed the tragic news of the actor's death and spoke of her ‘profound grief’.

'This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken.

'As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions,' she said.

Miller added: ‘If the whole world is going to miss him that’s amplified with Susan and his family at an enormous range.’

For confidential help in Australia, call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au/

In the US, call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/