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Today, the world has been rocked by the death of beloved New Zealand actor Sam Neill, aged 78.
Best-known for playing Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, the acclaimed thespian led a wide-ranging career filled with unforgettable performances in films and TV shows, including Peaky Blinders, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, The Piano and many more.
However, one of the most moving moments of his career came when he appeared on the TV series The Assembly, appearing as his true self, rather than transforming into a character.
Neill featured in the very first episode of the Australian version of the show in 2024, which saw him being interviewed by a group of autistic journalism students.
One poignant moment sparked millions of views online when he was sensitively asked a personal question that brought him – and fans across the globe – to tears.
‘What is the best lesson you learnt from your parents?’ one of the journalism students asked him, speaking into a microphone as she sat directly opposite him.
A few short moments of silence passed before Neill said: ‘Oof, wow, that’s a really interesting question.’
As the student nodded at him in response to his praise, he took a few moments to ponder his answer, continuing: ‘That’s a really, really interesting question.’
The Hunt For Red October actor began speaking, but then he abruptly stopped, becoming overcome with emotion as he bowed his head and his mouth started to tremble.
He then looked back up at the interviewer, his eyes starting to brim with tears as he struggled to piece his words together.
‘I don’t know why that question’s moved me so much, but it has,’ he shared.
‘Um… My parents were of the generation that went through a lot of things. They went through the Depression, my mother lost her father in the First World War, so she grew up without her father.
‘So they went through a lot of stuff. A lot of stuff. But they were very stoic people.’
Neill was born in Northern Ireland to an English mother and a New Zealand father, and grew up in New Zealand as a child.
He explained to the group of journalists that he turned to his mother for advice when he was experiencing a tough time at university, as he was anxious that he wouldn’t be able to achieve the grades he hoped for.
‘I’d had a year at university where I’d done bugger all. I was acting in plays, and trying to find a girlfriend, and things otherwise,’ he said, laughing.
‘So it came to exam time, and I realised I’d done almost no work. It got me very anxious. Anyway, I’d got home, and Mum said: “How are you, darling?” And I said: “Oh Mum, I think I’m having a breakdown, and I’ve got exams in a couple of weeks, and I don’t know how I’m gonna…”
‘And she just looked at me, and she said: “Well, you’re just going to have to pull yourself together, aren’t you?”’
Neill leaned forward as he recalled his mother’s advice, while the student journalists in the room chuckled.
‘I think that was the best lesson I learnt from her, is sometimes you just have to pull yourself together. It’s a tough lesson, but it’s a good one. But thanks for that question.’
‘You’re welcome,’ his interviewer answered.
On YouTube, the clip shared by ABC Entertainment has been watched 1.3million times, with many people commenting on how powerful an exchange it was.
‘When a man thinks back on his parents, and tears fill his eyes, he’s had a beautiful upbringing,’ MapleJames76 wrote.
‘The way he paused, man, that got me!’ RudyRusso commented, while melissaamccarl1683 shared: ‘Love that he allows himself to be so vulnerable. The sign of a great artist.’
‘As a parent and a son, this is one of my favourite clips ever. He really wears it all in that question. Amazing. Thank you, Sam,’ BPD81 also responded.
Meanwhile, MarcDumont-s5n brought back Neill’s advice, adding: ‘I find it very endearing that he takes a moment to “pull himself together” before answering ❤.’
On Monday July 13, it was announced that Neill had died unexpectedly, months after being declared cancer-free.
‘It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday, 13th July, in Sydney, Australia,’ a statement from his family read on social media this morning.
‘Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life.’
The family added: ‘More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss.’