Sir Nigel John Dermot "Sam" Neill was a New Zealand actor. His career, which spanned over five decades, included leading roles in both independent films and blockbusters. Considered an "international leading man," he was regarded as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
Born in Northern Ireland to an English mother and a New Zealand father, Neill moved to Christchurch with his family in 1954. He first achieved recognition with his appearance in the film Sleeping Dogs, which he followed with leading roles in My Brilliant Career, Omen III: The Final Conflict, Possession, Attack Force Z, Evil Angels (also known as A Cry in the Dark), Dead Calm, Death in Brunswick, The Hunt For Red October, The Piano, In the Mouth of Madness, and Event Horizon. He came to international prominence as Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, a role he reprised in Jurassic Park III and Jurassic World Dominion.
