Sir Nigel John DermotΒ "Sam"Β NeillΒ (born 14 September 1947) is a New Zealand actor. His career has included leading roles in both dramas and blockbusters. Considered an "international leading man", he is regarded as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
Born in Northern Ireland to an English mother and New Zealand father, Neill moved toΒ ChristchurchΒ with his family in 1954. He first achieved recognition with his appearance in the filmΒ Sleeping DogsΒ (1977), which he followed with leading roles inΒ My Brilliant CareerΒ (1979),Β Omen III: The Final Conflict,Β PossessionΒ (both 1981),Β Evil AngelsΒ (also known asΒ A Cry in the Dark) (1988),Β Dead CalmΒ (1989),Β The Hunt For Red OctoberΒ (1990),Β The PianoΒ (1993), andΒ In the Mouth of MadnessΒ (1994). He came to international prominence asΒ Dr. Alan GrantΒ inΒ Jurassic ParkΒ (1993), reprising the role inΒ Jurassic Park IIIΒ (2001) andΒ Jurassic World DominionΒ (2022).
Outside of film, Neill has appeared in numerous television series in guest and recurring roles, includingΒ Reilly, Ace of SpiesΒ (1983),Β The SimpsonsΒ (1994),Β The TudorsΒ (2007),Β CrusoeΒ (2008β2010),Β Happy TownΒ (2010),Β Alcatraz (2012), andΒ Rick and MortyΒ (2019). He also starred as the titular characterΒ MerlinΒ inΒ Merlin (1998) andΒ Merlin's ApprenticeΒ (2006) and as Major Chester Campbell in the first two series ofΒ Peaky BlindersΒ (2013β2014). He has presented and narrated several documentaries.
Neill receives theΒ AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, theΒ Longford Lyell Award, theΒ New Zealand Film Award, and theΒ Logie Award for Most Outstanding Actor. He also has threeΒ Golden GlobeΒ and twoΒ Primetime Emmy AwardΒ nominations.Β He won theΒ Silver Logie for Most Popular ActorΒ at the 2023 Logies.
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