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Sir Sam Neill NZ: 5 Surprising Facts About His 2025 Screen Legend Win, Central Otago Winery, And Cancer Battle

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Sir Sam Neill, the globally celebrated New Zealand actor, is currently dominating headlines not just for his enduring career but for a major 2025 honour that cements his legacy in the New Zealand film industry. As of this December 2025, the star of *Jurassic Park* and proprietor of the acclaimed Two Paddocks winery has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Screen Legend Award at the New Zealand Screen Awards. This accolade is a testament to a career spanning decades, one that has seen him move seamlessly between Hollywood blockbusters and deeply personal, New Zealand-focused projects.

The news comes as the actor continues to live life to the fullest, having recently shared candid updates on his personal health journey and his absolute refusal to consider retirement, which he famously refers to as a "swear word". From his Central Otago vineyard to his latest roles, Neill’s connection to Aotearoa remains the anchor of his global identity, making his 2025 Screen Legend honour a timely celebration of his commitment to his home country.

Sir Sam Neill: A Comprehensive Biography and Notable Roles

Sir Nigel John Dermot "Sam" Neill is a New Zealand icon whose career has been defined by versatility, moving effortlessly from period dramas to science fiction epics. Born in Northern Ireland, Neill moved to New Zealand at a young age, forging a deep and lasting connection to the country. His journey from a local filmmaker to an international star is a story of dedication and a passion for storytelling.

  • Full Name: Sir Nigel John Dermot Neill
  • Born: 14 September 1947
  • Birthplace: Omagh, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland
  • Nationality: New Zealand (Moved to New Zealand in 1954)
  • Education: Attended Christ's College, Christchurch, and the University of Canterbury
  • Honours: Appointed a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DCNZM), and an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
  • Major 2025 Honour: Recipient of the 2025 Screen Legend Award at the New Zealand Screen Awards
  • Other Ventures: Founder and Proprietor of Two Paddocks, an acclaimed organic winery in Central Otago
  • Memoir: *Did I Ever Tell You This?* (2023), written after his cancer diagnosis

Notable Film and Television Roles

Neill’s career is marked by iconic performances across various genres, showcasing his range and depth as an actor.

  • Dr. Alan Grant: *Jurassic Park* (1993), *Jurassic Park III* (2001), *Jurassic World Dominion* (2022)
  • Major Roles: *The Hunt for Red October* (1990), *Dead Calm* (1989), *Omen III: The Final Conflict* (1981)
  • New Zealand Breakout: *Sleeping Dogs* (1977), his first major feature film role
  • Acclaimed Dramas: *My Brilliant Career* (1979), *Possession* (1981), *The Piano* (1993)
  • Television Series: Inspector Chester Campbell in *Peaky Blinders*, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in *The Tudors*, and the lead in *Merlin*
  • Recent Work: Stan Delaney in the Peacock limited series *Apples Never Fall*

The 2025 Screen Legend Award: A New Zealand Homecoming

The announcement that Sir Sam Neill is the 2025 Screen Legend Award recipient is a significant moment for the New Zealand film community. The award is not just for his international fame, but specifically honours his decades of work in film and television, and his pivotal role as an ambassador for the New Zealand screen industry.

Neill has consistently advocated for and participated in New Zealand-based productions, ensuring that his global success translates into support for his home country’s creative sector. His early New Zealand films, like *Sleeping Dogs*, were instrumental in establishing the country's cinematic identity. The 2025 honour acknowledges this deep, unwavering commitment, celebrating him as a true national legend.

Two Paddocks: The Organic Heart of Central Otago

Beyond the silver screen, Neill's most personal and enduring New Zealand project is his Two Paddocks winery, located in the ruggedly beautiful Central Otago region of the South Island. Founded in 1993, the winery is a passion project rooted in his family history—his father ran a family wine company, and Neill himself was raised on a South Island farm.

Two Paddocks is now an acclaimed organic winery, renowned globally for its elegant Pinot Noir and Riesling, which thrive in the high-altitude, cool climate of Central Otago. The winery maintains four distinct vineyards, including The Fusilier Vineyard, named in honour of his father, Major Dermot Neill.

Recent updates, including a new release showcase scheduled for October 2025, confirm the winery's continued success and Neill's hands-on involvement. The venture represents more than just a business; it is a tangible expression of his love for the New Zealand landscape and its unique agricultural potential, making him a key figure in the Central Otago wine story.

"Alive and Well": Sam Neill's Inspiring Cancer Journey and Memoir

In recent years, Neill has faced a significant personal challenge, revealing his diagnosis of Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of blood cancer. The diagnosis in 2022 was a profound shock, one that he openly admits prompted him to write his highly praised memoir, *Did I Ever Tell You This?*.

The memoir, written in a creative burst, is a moving and often funny account of his life and career, where he also discusses the physical transformations and psychological hurdles of his treatment. Crucially, Neill has been vocal about his current health status, reassuring fans that he is "alive and well" and in remission, thanks to recent advancements in cancer treatment. He is currently on a new, effective anti-cancer drug after initial chemotherapy failed.

His fearless outlook and positive attitude have made his journey an inspiration, showing a newfound appreciation for every day. For Neill, the fight for his health has only reinforced his commitment to his work and his life in New Zealand, making his insistence that retirement is a "swear word" all the more poignant. His story is a powerful reminder of resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of one of New Zealand’s most beloved figures.

sam neill nz
sam neill nz

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