Sam Neill’s Last Interview: ‘I’d Like to Think That, in Life, I’m a Goodie’
Just weeks before his death at the age of 78, acclaimed New Zealand actor Sam Neill sat down for what would become his final published interview, offering fans a thoughtful, humorous and deeply personal reflection on a career that spanned more than five decades. The conversation revealed the warmth, humility and wit that had long defined one of cinema’s most respected performers.
Among the interview’s most memorable moments was Neill’s reflection on the many villains he portrayed throughout his career. Although he frequently played intimidating or morally complex characters, he explained that acting allowed him to explore personalities far removed from his own.
“I’d like to think that, in life, I’m a goodie,” Neill said while discussing his enjoyment of playing antagonists. He explained that portraying villains was enjoyable precisely because it contrasted with his own personality, allowing him to experience characters he would never want to become in real life.
The interview highlighted Neill’s trademark self-deprecating humor. Looking back on his long career, he shared amusing stories from film sets, reflected on memorable performances and discussed some of the unexpected moments that became part of movie history. One of those stories involved the famous scene in Jurassic Park where his character, Dr. Alan Grant, removes his sunglasses after seeing a dinosaur for the first time.
Neill revealed that the iconic gesture was his own idea rather than a direction from director Steven Spielberg. He explained that he believed removing the glasses best expressed complete amazement, even though, as he joked, the logical reaction to looking into bright sunlight would probably have been to put sunglasses on rather than take them off.
The beloved actor also spoke affectionately about animals, a lifelong passion that extended well beyond his work in film. Having spent much of his life surrounded by dogs and farm animals in New Zealand, Neill said he often felt he understood animals better than people. He shared humorous stories about his rescue dog and explained how his experiences with pets influenced several of his performances throughout his career.
Life on his vineyard remained one of Neill’s greatest sources of happiness. Away from the pressures of Hollywood, he found peace producing wine, caring for animals and enjoying the New Zealand countryside. During the interview, he spoke enthusiastically about his winemaking ambitions, expressing hope that he would live long enough to enjoy the first bottle of chardonnay produced from newly planted vines.
Neill also reflected on friendships that shaped his career, including his admiration for the late Robin Williams. Remembering their time together on Bicentennial Man, he described Williams as one of the funniest people he had ever known while also acknowledging the quieter, more reflective side of the legendary comedian.
Although Neill enjoyed tremendous success in Hollywood, he remained remarkably modest about his achievements. Throughout the interview, he consistently emphasized the joy of storytelling over fame, explaining that his greatest satisfaction came from working with talented people and contributing to memorable films rather than pursuing celebrity status.
He also discussed missed opportunities during his career, including his screen test for James Bond, and reflected on films he wished audiences could have seen in their original form. Yet there was little regret in his comments. Instead, Neill expressed gratitude for the remarkable journey acting had provided and the friendships it had brought into his life.
Only a short time after the interview, Neill died unexpectedly in Sydney. His family later confirmed that he had been cancer-free following successful treatment for a rare blood cancer, making his sudden passing all the more shocking to friends, colleagues and fans around the world. Tributes quickly poured in from figures including Steven Spielberg, Nicole Kidman and Cillian Murphy, all praising not only his extraordinary talent but also his generosity, humility and kindness.
Neill’s final interview now stands as a fitting farewell from one of cinema’s most beloved actors. Filled with humor, honesty and quiet wisdom, it reflected the qualities that made him admired both on and off the screen. His words about striving to be “a goodie” in real life have taken on special significance, offering a final glimpse into the character of a man remembered not only for unforgettable performances in films such as Jurassic Park, The Piano and Peaky Blinders, but also for the decency and compassion that defined his life away from the cameras.
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