Born in New Zealand on September 14, 1947, Sir Nigel John Dermot “Sam” Neill KNZM OBE is a renowned performer with a long and fruitful career.
He is considered one of the most adaptable actors of his generation and has achieved the title of “international leading man” after playing the lead in significant parts in a variety of genres, from dramas to box office successes.
Neill made numerous New Zealand movies in his early acting career, including The City of No (1971), The Water Cycle (1972), Hunt’s Duffer (1973), and Landfall (1975). Even for the New Zealand National Film Unit, he co-wrote and directed the 1974 film Telephone Etiquette.
His big break came with the 1977 local movie Sleeping Dogs, which received a lot of worldwide exposure.
After relocating to Australia, Neill was cast in a supporting role on The Sullivans. He later won praise for his portrayal as the male lead opposite Judy Davis in the movie My Brilliant Career (1979).
In addition to television shows like Young Ramsay and Lucinda Brayford, he continued to work on Australian movies including The Journalist (1979), Just Out of Reach (1979), and Attack Force Z (1981).
What is Sam Neill most famous for?
Sam Neill’s contributions to film and television have earned him recognition on a global scale. He is well recognized for his parts in the 1993 Steven Spielberg movies Jurassic Park and The Piano, which won an Academy Award (1993).
Why did Sam Neill change his name?
When still in school, Sam Neill changed his name from Nigel to Sam because he shared a close friend with the same name and there were already a lot of other pupils in the school with the same name.
He never considered formally changing his name, and he lived his entire life going by the name Sam.