Born Nigel John Dermot Neill in Omagh, Northern Ireland, in 1947, he moved to Christchurch, New Zealand, with his family as a child. He adopted the name Sam at the age of 12 because there were several Nigels at his school. He began acting while studying at the University of Canterbury and made his film
In his more than 50 years on screen, Sam Neill, who died Monday at the age of 78, was a star in both blockbusters and independent films, had memorable roles in several prestige television series and excelled at playing heroes and villains alike. Although the New Zealand actor is best known for his beloved role