Sam Neill is a New Zealand actor, director, producer and writer. Neill’s 53-year career has included leading roles in both dramas and blockbusters.
Considered an “international leading man”, he has been regarded as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
Sam began his acting career in New Zealand and gained recognition with the film Sleeping Dogs.
He then moved to Australia and bagged the lead role in My Brilliant Career. Thereafter, he appeared in a series of movies like Omen III: The Final Conflict, Possession, A Cry in the Dark and The Piano which brought him further fame.
His film credits in subsequent years include The Dish, Sweet Country, Hunt For The Wilderpeople, The Daughter and The Hunter.
Apart from films, the veteran actor has been a part of numerous television production including Reilly, Ace of Spies, Merlin, The Tudors and Peaky Blinders.
Sam Neill has also narrated, directed, produced and written numerous documentaries.
For his work in cinema and television, he was named Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1991 and a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2007.
Who is Sam Neill?
Sam Neill was born on 14th September 1947 in Omagh, Northern Ireland as Nigel John Dermot Neill to Priscilla Beatrice (née Ingham) and Dermot Neill.
His father, an army officer, was a second-generation New Zealander, while his mother was English.
His great-grandfather Percival “Percy” Neill left Belfast, Ireland and moved to Melbourne, Australia, joining a firm of merchants.
Four years later, in 1863, he moved to New Zealand, settling in Dunedin. He was the son of a wine merchant importing wine from France.
At the time of Neill’s birth, his father was stationed in Northern Ireland, serving with the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
His father’s family owned Neill and Co. (later part of the listed hospitality group Wilson Neill). Neill considers himself a New Zealander.
In 1954, Neill moved with his family to New Zealand, where he attended the Anglican boys’ boarding school Christ’s College, Christchurch.
He went on to study English literature at the University of Canterbury, where he had his first exposure to acting.
He moved to Wellington to continue his tertiary education at Victoria University, where he graduated with a BA in English literature.
In 2004, on the Australian talk show Enough Rope, interviewer Andrew Denton briefly touched on the topic of Neill’s stuttering.
He recalled how deeply it had affected him in his life and, as a result, he often found himself “hoping that people wouldn’t talk to [him]” so he would not have to answer.
He also stated, “I kind of outgrew it. I can still … you can still detect me as a stammerer.”
He first took to calling himself “Sam” at school because there were several other students named Nigel, and because he felt the name Nigel was “a little effete for … a New Zealand playground.
Sam Neill Wife
Sam Neill was married twice. His first marriage was with actress Lisa Harrow from 1980 to 19891.
He then married make-up artist Noriko Watanabe in 1989 and they were together until 20171.
Sam Neill is currently dating journalist Laura Tingle.
Sam Neill Children
Sam Neill has three children. He has a son named Tim from his first marriage to actress Lisa Harrow .
He also has a daughter named Elena from his second marriage to make-up artist Noriko Watanabe .
Sam Neill has kept his private life away from the spotlight, so not much is known about his children.
Sam Neill Parents
Sam Neill was born to Priscilla Beatrice (née Ingham) and Dermot Neill.
His father was an army officer and a second-generation New Zealander, while his mother was English.
Sam Neill Siblings
Sam Neill has one sibling, a brother named Michael Neill. Not much is known about him.
Sam Neill Family
Father: Dermot Neill
Mother: Priscilla Neill
Children: Elena Neill, Tim Neill
Partner: Laura Tingle (2017–present)
Spouse/Ex-: Lisa Harrow (m. 1978–1989), Noriko Watanabe (m. 1989–2017)
Sam Neill Net Worth
Sam Neill is a Northern-Irish-born, New Zealander actor who has an estimated net worth of $18 million .
He has earned his wealth through his successful career in acting, which has spanned over four decades.
Neill has acted in numerous films, television shows, and theater productions, and his work has earned him both critical acclaim and financial success.
He is probably best known for playing the lead role in the original “Jurassic Park” and many of its sequels.
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