Nigel John Dermot Neill , known professionally as Sam Neill, is a New Zealand actor, writer, producer, director, and vineyard owner. Born in Omagh, Northern Ireland, he moved to Christchurch with his family in 1954. Neill first achieved recognition with his appearance in the 1977 film Sleeping Dogs, which he followed with leading roles in My Brilliant Career , Omen III, Possession , A Cry in the Dark , Dead Calm , and The Piano . He came to international prominence with his portrayal of Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park , reprising the role in 2001's Jurassic Park III.
Neill's other notable films include The Hunt for Red October , Sirens; In the Mouth of Madness; The Jungle Book , Snow White: A Tale of Terror, Event Horizon , The Horse Whisperer , Bicentennial Man , The Dish , Yes, Wimbledon , Daybreakers , Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole , The Hunter , The Vow , Escape Plan , The Daughter , Hunt for the Wilderpeople , Thor: Ragnarok , The Commuter, and Peter Rabbit .
Outside of film, Neill has appeared in numerous television series, such as Reilly, Ace of Spies , Merlin , The Tudors , Crusoe , Happy Town , Alcatraz , and Peaky Blinders . He has also presented and narrated several documentaries.
Neill is the recipient of a New Zealand Film Award and a Logie Award, as well as three Golden Globe and two Primetime Emmy Award nominations. He lives in Queenstown and has three children and one stepchild.
“I'm playing a cat burglar. I've made it. This is the high point of my career. I'm really chuffed.”
Entertainment Weekly; 23 July 1993, Referring to his role on The Simpsons
“I got an Irish passport the other day. I love it. It's the best thing in my pocket.”
The Irish Times, 13 December 2008
