Australian director Peter Weir reveals his chance meeting with Robin Williams in the late 1980s which led him to cast the actor a decade later in iconic Dead Poets Society

By Alicia Vrajlal For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 22:53 EST, 12 August 2014 | Updated: 14:47 EST, 13 August 2014

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After hearing the sad news of Robin Williams passing away at the age of 63 on Monday, Australian director Peter Weir has revealed it was a chance meeting between the pair which led him to cast the actor in his film Dead Poets Society.

Spotting the American star soaking up some sun at Sydney’s Palm Beach during the Summer of 1987-88, Weir called out to Williams and the pair enjoyed a coffee together.

‘I don’t think I would have ever cast him if I hadn’t met him (that day),’ 69-year-old Weir told The Australian on Tuesday, reflecting on Williams’ role in the 1989 flick which helped transform his career status from that of a comedic genius to a dramatic onscreen icon.

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Australian director Peter Weir, pictured with late actor Robin Williams in 2003, has revealed it was a chance meeting between the pair in the late 1980s which led to him casting Williams in Dead Poets Society

Over ten years after their Australian meeting, Weir selected Williams to play an English teacher who inspired his students through poetry.

His stellar performance in the touching film landed him an Academy award nomination.

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The shocking news of Robin's death broke on Monday with Williams' wife Susan Schneider confirming the tragic loss in a statement.

'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.

Inspiring character: Over ten years after their Australian meeting, Weir selected Williams to play an English teacher who inspired his students through poetry in the 1989 flick Dead Poets Society

'Captain my Captain' Robin Williams in Dead Poet's Society

'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.'

It was later revealed the actor hanged himself with a belt on Sunday night while his wife slept in a nearby bedroom.

Williams was last seen alive about 10.30pm on Sunday by his third wife Susan Schneider when she went to bed. Williams locked himself in a different bedroom, Marin County Sheriff's Lieutenant Keith Boyd said.

Career changer: Williams' role in the film helped transform his career status from that of a comedic genius to a dramatic onscreen icon

By the time an assistant found the Oscar-winning actor's body at 11.55am on Monday, rigor mortis had set in. It normally takes 12 to 18 hours for a body to stiffen after death.

The Mrs Doubtfire and Good Will Hunting star's suicide comes after decades of battling depression and alcohol and drug addiction.

He was also facing significant financial pressures and admitted he was selling a $35million estate in Napa because he could no longer afford it.

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