Sam Neill. 14 September 1947 – 13 July 2026
Born in Ireland, raised in New Zealand, claimed by Australia. Aussies tend to do that with famous Kiwis - Russell Crowe, Phar Lap, Pavlova (the dessert, not the ballerina)… etc
Wonderful actor and by all accounts a genuine top bloke.
Vale Sam.
Many great silver screen experiences with Sam Neill… I think I first saw him in Reilly - Ace of spies, on TV, in my youth.
For part of my childhood I wanted to be a paleontologist, and for my whole life I have kept a keen interest in the biological and scientific aspect of dinosaurs, just because he portrayed the role of field scientist so incredibly well. I hope the family finds solace in the fact he was able to express his talents so incredibly well in life. May he rest in peace
Yeah, a bit bummed when I read this as breaking news. There is a unique Australian interview show called “The Assembly” where he was a guest being interviewed which gives a glimpse of the person he was. He will be missed.
He was perfect in his role in Jurassic Park. Seeing the awe, fear, disbelief and love expressed on his face before the audience was allowed to see what he was looking at created one of the most emotional buildups in film.
Showing my age, but the first of his characters that come to mind is Captain Vasili Borodin. Well played by Mr. Neill, wherever he claimed his homeland.
He got to see Montana.