Who Is Peter Weir? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Peter Weir, the acclaimed Australian film director known for his powerful storytelling and cinematic artistry, was born on August 21, 1944. As of 2025, he is 80 years old. Weir has directed numerous iconic films such as Dead Poets Society, The Truman Show, and Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, garnering him both critical and commercial success over the decades. His work often explores complex human themes and showcases his unique ability to blend cinematic vision with profound narrative depth.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 21, 1944 |
| Age | 80 Years |
| Birth Place | Sydney, Australia |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Australia |
Popularity
Peter Weir's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements for Peter Weir may not be publicly available, he is known for his engaging personality and commanding presence as a director. Over the years, he has often been seen in public events and film festivals where his style reflects his artistic sensibilities.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Peter Weir has maintained a relatively private personal life. He was previously married to actress and producer Judy Morris, with whom he has collaborated on various projects. As of 2025, there has been no publicly disclosed information about his current relationship status, including any boyfriend or girlfriend he may have. Weir's focus seems to remain primarily on his craft and legacy in the film industry.
Net Worth and Salary
Peter Weir’s extensive career in filmmaking has established him as one of the wealthiest directors in Australia. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $60 million. His earnings come not only from directing but also from producing and additional creative ventures. Weir has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations, enhancing his financial stature within Hollywood and beyond.
Career, Business, and Investments
Peter Weir's career spans over five decades, showcasing his versatility and commitment to compelling storytelling. He made his directorial debut in 1971 with the film The Cars That Ate Paris, gradually earning recognition with works like Picnic at Hanging Rock and Gallipoli. Beyond directing, Weir has been involved in various business endeavors, including production companies and collaborations with different studios, making astute investments in new media and technology that align with the evolving entertainment landscape.
Peter Lindsay Weir (born 21 August 1944) is a retired Australian film director.
He is known for directing films crossing various genres over forty years with films such as Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975), Gallipoli (1981), The Year of Living Dangerously (1982), Witness (1985), Dead Poets Society (1989), Fearless (1993), The Truman Show (1998), Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003), and The Way Back (2010).
He has received six Academy Award nominations. In 2022, he was awarded the Academy Honorary Award for his lifetime achievement career. In 2024, he received an honorary life-time achievement award at the Venice Film Festival (Golden Lion).
Social Network
While not extremely active on social media, Peter Weir has a presence on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where he occasionally shares insights into his work and film philosophy. Fans can follow him to catch updates about his projects and moments from his illustrious career. Nonetheless, he tends to keep a low profile, preferring to let his films speak for themselves.
Weir's major breakthrough in Australia and internationally was the lush, atmospheric period mystery Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975), made with substantial backing from the state-funded South Australian Film Corporation and filmed on location in South Australia and rural Victoria.
Based on the novel by Joan Lindsay and set at the turn of the 20th century, the film relates the purportedly "true" story of a group of students from an exclusive girls' school who mysteriously vanish from a school picnic on Valentine's Day 1900.
Widely credited as a key work in the "Australian film renaissance" of the mid-1970s, Picnic was the first Australian film of its era to gain both critical praise and be given substantial international theatrical releases. It also helped launch the career of internationally renowned Australian cinematographer Russell Boyd.
It was widely acclaimed by critics, many of whom praised it as a welcome antidote to the so-called "ocker film" genre, typified by The Adventures of Barry McKenzie and Alvin Purple.
Education
Peter Weir's formal education in film began at the National Film and Television School in Australia. His early experiences in the Australian film landscape shaped his directorial vision and offered him platforms to express his unique storytelling style. Weir's academic background enriched his understanding of cinema, which he continuously honed throughout his prolific career.
After the success of The Year of Living Dangerously, Weir directed a diverse group of American and international films covering most genres—many of them major box office hits—including Academy Award–nominated films such as the thriller Witness (1985), the drama Dead Poets Society (1989), the romantic comedy Green Card (1990), the social scien
ce fiction comedy-drama The Truman Show (1998) and the epic historical drama Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003).
His final feature before his retirement was the well-received The Way Back (2010).
