Gillian Armstrong, the Australian director who gave Sam Neill his big break in the 1979 film My Brilliant Career, has paid tribute to the actor following his death. Neill passed away suddenly after recovering from cancer treatment. Armstrong described him as 'a smart, gentle, decent, passionate, loyal, surprisingly funny man.'
Sam Neill's career and personal qualities
Neill was known for his versatility, playing roles that were dashing, dry, evil, cheeky, damaged, and heroic. Armstrong noted that even her grandson recognized him as 'the man with the dinosaurs' from Jurassic Park. She also praised his performance as the sly, handsome, grey-haired lawyer in the TV series The Twelve.
Armstrong recalled that the camera loved Neill from day one. She highlighted a pillow fight scene he improvised with Judy Davis during rehearsals, which was so well-received that they extended it in the final film.
Memories of My Brilliant Career
Armstrong revealed that Neill missed the Cannes Film Festival premiere of My Brilliant Career because he had a small role in the TV show The Sullivans. However, he later walked many red carpets and received numerous awards.
About eight years ago, Armstrong and Neill rewatched My Brilliant Career together at a screening in Launceston. Neill attended a Two Paddocks wine tasting event there and later engaged with the audience, joking that his character Harry was 'a bit of a wet blanket.'
Personal reflections and final days
Armstrong shared that Neill was loyal and generous to the film, recognizing it as the start of his career. He sent her drafts of his memoir for review, and during a FaceTime call, she was shocked to see him bald from cancer treatment. She admired his decision to write the memoir, which became a hit.
The day before Neill died, Armstrong watched a rerun of his episode of The Assembly, where he was interviewed by autistic students. One asked what he learned from his parents, and Neill paused, teared up, and spoke kindly about them. Armstrong said, 'I can't believe that the very next day he was gone.'
Tributes and legacy
Armstrong concluded by saying Neill will be missed by many. She and her family opened a 1998 Neill pinot noir and toasted him. 'Thank you for being our Harry, and our Sam,' she wrote. The tribute follows similar remembrances from director Jane Campion, who worked with Neill on The Piano, and others in the film industry.
