‘He put a hold on my letter from Spielberg’: Readers pay tribute to Sam Neill | Sam Neill

“Even as a child, I recognized his quality.”

I absolutely loved Sam Neill. I first saw it in Reilly: Ace of Spies, and even as a kid, I recognized its quality. To me, he was always the best at whatever he was at. And to do this consistently over decades is an accomplishment. You could see the flash when he was playing Sam. Perhaps he took his work seriously; I never felt like he took himself too seriously. This made him very likable. Shirley, 55, West Yorkshire

“Lockdown videos felt like the cheerful release we needed.”

My lasting memory of Sam Neill was the version of himself he presented during lockdown. Perhaps he believes himself. His mildly entertaining videos, coupled with his social commentary at the time, seemed like the joyful relief many of us needed. Most delightful of all was the constant “banter” he would share with his on-screen co-star, and obviously his good friend, Jeff Goldblum. I was taking one of the walks allowed by the state at the time and passed two prominent oak trees leaning on each other. I chose to call them “Sam and Jeff.” I’ll walk the same walk this evening and pay my respects to Sam Neill. A great actor and a wonderful human being. pee, Chesterfield

“He was absolutely fantastic.”

There were only three famous deaths in which I felt the need to call my parents: Princess Diana, David Bowie, and Sam Neill. Sam was unfailingly great at everything he stood for. When my son was in preschool, he knew he wanted to be a scientist after seeing Jurassic Park for the first time. We’ve watched it as a family at least 50 times, and I still love this movie today. My son didn’t become a paleontologist, but he became a scientist. Phil, 53, Wellington

“Working on Peaky Blinders with Sam Neill was a dream come true.”

The first movie I saw in the cinema was Jurassic Park, and it changed my life. That’s all I wanted to do from that moment on: make films and recreate the rollercoaster emotions I felt during that screening. I followed this passion for 20 years, studying it at university and working a range of jobs while trying to get into the industry (which eventually led to one of my first jobs, on Peaky Blinders, where I worked with Sam Neill for four months).

What Sam didn’t know was that I was obsessed with Jurassic Park when I was eight years old and that I had written to Steven Spielberg to ask if I could help with any of his upcoming films. And I actually received a letter from Amblin Entertainment, which I kept in a frame all those years. On the last day of filming, when Sam finished filming, I brought up the letter that I had sent to Spielberg 20 years earlier, signed “Sam Neill was there,” which I think, underneath it all, probably sums up the kind of man he was. We got a photo too, which is something I’ve never done with the cast or crew, but this photo I felt like I had to do — to honor that childhood dream. I probably could have happily retired at that point, but 10 years later, I’m still making films. died, 40, Manchester

“Thank you for your support of all New Zealanders – not just the elite few.”

Dear Sam, I was never a fan of his…until a few years ago. I’m not entirely sure why. Maybe because you weren’t “edgy” enough for my desire to be seen that way. It wasn’t your films that sparked my interest in your life and popularity, but your belief in social justice, the planet, and what’s right for the ultimate future of our country is incredibly admirable. Thank you for your wonderful writing in support of all New Zealanders and not just the elite few. Nina*Christchurch, New Zealand

“He was excellent at his craft.”

I started working in film in 1974 and met Sam Neill in 1980 when I was second assistant director on Omen III: The Final Conflict, an early film in his remarkable career. He was easy to work with and excellent at his craft. At the time, we knew that James Mason was influential in his career, and sometimes I could close my eyes and hear Mason’s influence as Sam spoke. Chris Newman, 71 years old London

“I have happy and fond memories of his wonderful acting.”

In early 1980, I went out on a date with a young woman, which started with going to the cinema to see the Australian film My Brilliant Career. The performances of Sam Neill and Judy Davis in the lead roles were absolutely absorbing. It was the easiest thing in the world to suspend disbelief as the film unfolded before us on the silver screen as Sam and Judy brought their characters to life. The young woman who accompanied me on this cinematic masterpiece accepted my marriage proposal later in 1980, and we raised four beautiful children together. When I heard the news of Sam Neill’s passing, I immediately looked back 46 years to a host of happy, unforgettable memories of his brilliant acting, not just in My Brilliant Career but in all the subsequent film and television roles I’ve had the privilege of seeing, such as Jurassic Park, Reilly: Ace of Spies, The Hunt for Red October, Peaky Blinders, and The Twelve. Rest in peace Sam Neill. Anthony Negus, 69, Bedford, Australia

“An incredible actor and a true gentleman”

I’m a musician and about 15 years ago I played at Sam Neill’s birthday party in Wanaka. He was a very warm and welcoming host and complimented our performance. About a week later, the entire band received a case of Two Paddocks [Sam Neill’s wine] Delivered to our individual doorstep. There were 12 people in the group. An incredible actor and a true gentleman. Lucien, 45, Wellington

*Name has been changed