On This Day

Sam Neill

Zealand actor

Born: New Zealand

Sir Nigel John Dermot "Sam" Neill 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 to Christchurch with his family in 1954. He first achieved recognition with his appearance in the film Sleeping Dogs (1977), which he followed with leading roles in My Brilliant Career (1979), Omen III: The Final Conflict, Possession (both 1981), Evil Angels (also known as A Cry in the Dark) (1988), Dead Calm (1989), Death in Brunswick (1990), The Hunt For Red October (1990), The Piano (1993), In the Mouth of Madness (1994), and Event Horizon (1997). He came to international prominence as Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park (1993), a role he reprised in Jurassic Park III (2001) and Jurassic World Dominion (2022).

Outside of film, Neill has appeared in numerous television series in guest and recurring roles, including Reilly, Ace of Spies (1983), The Simpsons (1994), The Tudors (2007), Crusoe (2008–2010), Happy Town (2010), Alcatraz (2012), and Rick and Morty (2019).

Notable For

New Zealand actor

Sam Neill's Historical Timeline

  1. Sam Neill is born

    Sam Neill, New Zealand zealand actor, known for new zealand actor, was born on 1948-09-14. Sir Nigel John Dermot "Sam" Neill is a New Zealand actor.

  2. "Jurassic Park," adapted from best-selling novel by Michael Crichton, directed by Steven Spielberg, and starring Sam Nei

    "Jurassic Park," adapted from best-selling novel by Michael Crichton, directed by Steven Spielberg, and starring Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum, opens and sets a box office weekend record of $502 million

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Sam Neill born?
Sam Neill was born on 1948-09-14 (New Zealand).
What is Sam Neill known for?
New Zealand actor
What historical events involved Sam Neill?
Sam Neill was involved in 2 recorded historical events, including Sam Neill is born, "Jurassic Park," adapted from best-selling novel by Michael Crichton, directed by Steven Spielberg, and starring Sam Nei.

Related Years