Sam Neill, the internationally beloved film star, was remembered by residents of small South Island communities as 'just a local' who fitted in without any airs. Russell Garbut, a resident of Clyde, said, 'There was no aspect of him that was: 'Hey I'm Sam Neill and I'm walking down the main street.' There was none of that sort of bullshit.'
Community Cinema Patron
Neill, who died aged 78 in Sydney on Monday, was a patron of the community-run Central Cinema in Alexandra. Tracy Blackwell, the cinema's chair, said to the community he 'was just Sam.' She noted that when the cinema held meet-and-greet nights with Neill, membership saw a dramatic uptick. For a weekend of his films, he provided recordings discussing each film to play before screenings. 'He believed every small town should have a cinema,' Blackwell said.
Local Presence and Charity
Neill lived in Earnscleugh valley, Central Otago, where he made wine under his Two Paddocks label. He was frequently spotted in Clyde (population 1,200) and Alexandra (population 5,860). He donated wine to Garbut's fundraisers for Central Otago hospice services. 'He did a lot of nice things behind the scenes,' Garbut said.
Hospital Patronage
Neill was also a patron of Dunstan Hospital in Clyde, where he received treatment for stage three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. Chief executive Hayley Anderson described him as humble, grassroots, and connected. 'All those special words that actually speak to salt-of-the-earth people,' she said. Anderson noted that the hospital team 'were really feeling it' after his death.
Personal Interactions
Clyde resident Sue Noble-Adams recalled meeting Neill at Dunedin airport years ago, when he helped her father, who was in a wheelchair, into the men's toilet. 'Sam came along and said 'I'll take him in, if you like?'' she said. Noble-Adams added that his death leaves 'a huge hole' in the community and New Zealand. Duo Cafe in Clyde noted that Neill always had 'a twinkle in his eye,' whether enjoying a quiet moment or joking about hot drinks.
Outpouring of Tributes
Online, locals flooded forums with stories of Neill's generosity and warmth. The Central Cinema thanked him for 'the laughs, stories and unwavering support.' The stars shone 'a little dimmer last night with the loss of a great Kiwi legend,' Duo Cafe said.
