Sam Neill

Sam Neill (born September 14, 1947) is an actor best known for his film and television performances.

Related Topics:
September 14 - 1947 - Actor

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He was born Nigel Neill in Omagh, Northern Ireland, the second son of Dermot, a Harrow and Sandhurst educated army officer and third generation New Zealander (who was then stationed in Northern Ireland) and his English wife Priscilla. His family (owners of Neill and Co., the largest liquor retailers in New Zealand) returned to New Zealand in 1954 where Neill attended the Anglican boys' boarding school Christ's College, in Christchurch, and then went on to study English Literature at the University of Canterbury. He is a close friend of New Zealand musician Tim Finn. After appearing in the popular television series, The Sullivans, he began his film career in the New Zealand film Sleeping Dogs. Following up this he appeared in the Australian classic, My Brilliant Career (1979), opposite Judy Davis. This appearance led to his being selected to play Damien in ', one of the sequels to The Omen.

Related Topics:
Omagh - Northern Ireland - Harrow - Sandhurst - New Zealander - English - 1954 - Anglican - Christ's College - Christchurch - University of Canterbury - Tim Finn - The Sullivans - Sleeping Dogs - Australia - My Brilliant Career - 1979 - Judy Davis - The Omen

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He was considered to take over from Roger Moore as James Bond for The Living Daylights, impressing everyone with his screen test, and was the original preferred choice of director John Glen. However, Cubby Broccoli was not impressed by Neill, and the role eventually went to Timothy Dalton instead.

Related Topics:
Roger Moore - James Bond - The Living Daylights - John Glen - Cubby Broccoli - Timothy Dalton

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Since then, Neill has played heroes and villains in a succession of television and film dramas and comedies. In the UK, he became well-known in the early 1980s, starring in dramas such as Ivanhoe, and notably in the title role of Reilly, Ace of Spies.

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More recently he has been best known for his roles in Dead Calm (1989), The Piano (1993), and Jurassic Park (1993).

Related Topics:
Dead Calm - 1989 - The Piano - 1993 - Jurassic Park

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The film Cinema of Unease: A Personal Journey by Sam Neill (1995) was written and directed by Sam Neill and Judy Rymer. In it Neill narrated his personal recollection of New Zealand film history.

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