'He made wine and he shared it. What more do you want?': Sam Neill remembered by his co-stars

Sam Neill Remembered: A Warm and Witty Man

Sam Neill, known for his roles in Jurassic Park and Possession, is remembered by his co-stars as a remarkable person. They share anecdotes that highlight his character, humor, and love for life.

Lindsay Duncan: 'He made wine and shared it'

Lindsay Duncan first worked with Sam Neill on the series Reilly, Ace of Spies in 1983 when she was young and shy. Years later, they reunited for the film Blackbird (2019), directed by Roger Michell. Duncan describes Neill as a gorgeous man and a wonderful actor who was warm, funny, and a good listener. He made wine from his own vineyard and generously shared it.

During Neill's difficult cancer treatment, the Blackbird cast decided to cheer him up. After much deliberation, Mia Wasikowska commissioned a cake depicting a pig and a sheep in an intimate act, next to a bottle of Neill's Two Paddocks wine. It contained all his favorite things. The cast also got matching little blackbird tattoos, which Neill took with him.

Charles Dance: 'He wasn't tarnished by cardinal ambition'

Charles Dance, who worked with Neill on several projects including Plenty and And Then There Were None, calls him one of the good guys in the industry. Neill was an unfussy actor with immense charm and striking good looks. Dance noted that Neill valued his wine quality over acting awards. After filming And Then There Were None, he gave everyone bottles of his excellent Pinot Noir. Dance emphasizes that Neill was not driven by career ambition; he took life as it came. When Neill was diagnosed with cancer and given six months to live, Dance sent an encouraging email. Neill replied warmly, showing that he was the same person in public and private.

Peter Webber: 'He was fascinated by puff adder venom'

Director Peter Webber first wanted to cast Neill after seeing his performance in Possession. They eventually worked together on the series Tutankhamun in South Africa. Neill was endlessly curious about the dangers of puff adder venom, which he described with relish during dinners. Despite the harsh filming conditions, he never complained and had a wicked sense of humor. He played elaborate practical jokes, convincing a young actress that her scene required eating a large piece of cake. She did 20 takes before realizing she was the joke. Neill remained straight-faced throughout. Webber describes him as a bon viveur, proud of his New Zealand roots and his vineyard, about which he spoke with genuine love and no pretension.