Some of New Zealand's biggest stars of stage and screen have remembered Sir Sam Neill as an actor who carried Kiwi stories to the world and never stopped championing them.
Sir Sam died suddenly and unexpectedly in a Sydney hospital on Monday aged 78.
Among those remembering him was director Roger Donaldson, who gave him his first major film role and remained a close friend for what he called "over 50 years".
Speaking to Breakfast from Los Angeles, Donaldson recalled discovering Sir Sam through a 1975 short film in which he played a priest.
"Sam was just spectacular in the film. In fact, I thought he was a real priest," Donaldson said.
Asked to describe Neill at 29, when the two first met, Donaldson said he found little difference from the man he knew decades later.
"He didn't seem too much different when he was nearly 79. He was a very reflective person. He was smart, intelligent, passionate about New Zealand, passionate about New Zealand art, passionate about New Zealand music."
The pair later became business partners of a sort, acquiring neighbouring parcels of land in Central Otago with plans for a joint vineyard, before deciding "it's not a good idea to get into business together".
Neill kept the name for what became his celebrated organic winery, Two Paddocks, while Donaldson developed his own label next door.
Some of New Zealand's biggest stars of stage and screen have remembered Sir Sam Neill as a tireless champion of Aotearoa. (Source: Breakfast)
Jennifer Ward-Lealand, president of Equity New Zealand and a longtime friend, echoed the sense of a man fame never changed.
"Sir Sam set the standard for how a leading man should behave," she said.
Ward-Lealand recalled him becoming patron of the New Zealand Actors Benevolent Fund and of the Actors' Programme drama school, visiting students whenever he was in town.
In 2019, Equity honoured him with its Lifetime Achievement Award, an occasion Ward-Lealand said involved bringing pigs and sheep on stage in tribute to his love of his farm animals. Sir Sam later told her the award was among his most meaningful, because "it came from actors" — whom he called his favourite people.
She said he offered a "good model for many people seeking fame and fortune," someone who treated an extra on set the same as an executive producer.
"He was using his fame for good."
Film critic Kate Rodger reflects on Sir Sam's life and career. (Source: Breakfast)
Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh paid tribute to a "fellow Kiwi filmmaker, our sometimes neighbour and beloved friend".
"We cherish all the joy, talent and love you shared with this world," they said in a statement to Facebook.
"From the first, in front of the camera and quietly behind it - from “Sleeping Dogs”, to the myriad of other brilliant performances you gave us, you have always been a shining light of talent, creativity and graceful joy in the act of telling a story. We will miss your wry wit and wisdom."
Actor and comedian Rhys Darby described Sir Sam as a "humble, brilliant man who cared".
"He cared a lot about humanity and the environment we live in. Especially Aotearoa. He's an inspiration to us all."
Darby worked with him on three occasions, a TV show, a movie, and a play, calling him "the genuine article".
"An absolute gentleman of the highest order. He named one of his cows after me. His wine is my wife's favourite. We are so saddened today. Thanks for everything Sam. The world has lost an icon. And I'm gonna miss you heaps."
Fellow Kiwi actor Karl Urban said Sir Sam was "truly brilliant".
"An inspiration for many who followed in his trailblazing footsteps. A beautiful man, a national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and the world. God speed Sam".
Actor Joel Tobeck said in a post to Instagram that Sir Sam "made me feel like I could fly".
"Even when I was all over the place in his presence he made it ok [sic]. We loved to talk rugby. RIP my old mate. Sam Neill, a true gentleman."
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, Oil prices spike as a US blockade looms … Terrorism charges laid over a political killing and a burglar ruffles feathers in Auckland. (Source: 1News)
SHARE ME