Remembering Sam Neill, the shy boy from Dunedin who became a movie star

The much-loved actor Sam Neill had an unusual path into acting. Raised in New Zealand as a shy boy with a stutter named Nigel, he was 30 when he got his big break (R) Sam, who has died at the age of 78, was an acclaimed actor, a winemaker, an author, a cancer survivor and a Dad to four children. 

In recent years he had cared for cows, pigs, ducks and horses on his farm in New Zealand while making Pinot Noir.

In his remarkable career as an actor he starred in more than 100 films including Jurassic Park, My Brilliant Career, and The Piano.

A few years ago, stuck in Sydney while undergoing treatment for cancer, Sam found himself with a lot of time on his hands to reflect on his eclectic life.

Sarah spoke to him in 2023 after the release of his quirky, funny and life-affirming memoir.

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Did I Ever Tell You This is published by Text