Hollywood star says he is ‘grateful’ for his life as he gives emotional update on his blood cancer battle

Hollywood star says he is 'grateful' for his life as he gives emotional update on his blood cancer battle

As a dedicated follower and admirer of Sam Neill’s illustrious career, it is heartening to see his resilience and gratitude in the face of adversity. Having battled stage 3 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare type of blood cancer, and undergoing chemotherapy since March 2023, he has demonstrated an unwavering spirit that is truly inspiring.


Sam Neill expresses gratitude for his life, crediting contemporary medical advancements for his victory over blood cancer.

In 2022, I was faced with a challenging diagnosis: stage 3 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or blood cancer. As a lifestyle expert, I can attest to the importance of sharing one’s health journey, especially when it involves an uncommon condition like this.

Since March 2023, Sam has been receiving chemotherapy and has openly shared their experience about the intense nature of this treatment.

Previously, he underwent infusions every fortnight, and in August, he described those sessions as ‘extremely gloomy and disheartening’.

Sam shared with Kate Thornton on her White Wine Question Time podcast that if the same event occurred 20 years ago, he would not be here to converse with us.

Hollywood star says he is 'grateful' for his life as he gives emotional update on his blood cancer battle

Hollywood star says he is 'grateful' for his life as he gives emotional update on his blood cancer battle
Hollywood star says he is 'grateful' for his life as he gives emotional update on his blood cancer battle

He also said that he ‘completely’ puts his ‘a brush or two’ with cancer down to agrichemicals (fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides). 

Neill continued: ‘I’m in remission and as you see, I’m hard at work and enjoying life immensely.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I can’t help but express my heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care I’ve received from medical professionals – doctors, nurses, and many others who work tirelessly behind the scenes. But it’s not just about the care I’ve personally experienced; it’s also about the remarkable progress we’ve made in addressing these health issues over the past few years. The strides we’ve taken are truly inspiring, offering hope for better days ahead.

‘If this had happened to me 20 years ago, I wouldn’t be around to talk to you.” 

Sam, originally from Northern Ireland, mentioned that he currently visits for treatment once a month. However, in the past, he needed to do so approximately thrice a month.

After those few dreadful days, everything seems to improve and you start feeling better. You head off to the gym, and life seems to get back on track again.

In the 1990s, a native of New Zealand gained widespread recognition for portraying Dr. Alan Grant, the dinosaur expert, in the Jurassic Park series. More recently, he reprised this role in 2022.

Hollywood star says he is 'grateful' for his life as he gives emotional update on his blood cancer battle
Hollywood star says he is 'grateful' for his life as he gives emotional update on his blood cancer battle

Starting from the year 2022, Sam can be found starring in the Australian drama titled The Twelve. This series unfolds a narrative revolving around Kate Lawson, who stands accused of murdering her niece. It explores how the twelve jurors, each with their unique backgrounds and biases, play a role in the courtroom proceedings.

The Twelve was renewed for a third series in 2022. 

Alongside these roles, Sam can also be seen in The Jungle Book, The Vow, Thor: Love and Thunder, as well as the television shows Merlin and Peaky Blinders.

He has a Golden Globe nomination for his role in the 1980s series Reilly, Ace Of Spies and an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of the titular wizard in 1998 miniseries Merlin, alongside the late James Earl Jones.

In August, a heart-wrenching interview left Sam in tears as he was posed a straightforward question regarding his parents.

In the premiere of ABC’s show “The Assembly,” Sam found himself emotional when queried about the most valuable lesson he had gleaned from his parents.

Overwhelmed by an intriguing query posed by one of the trainee interviewers who was autistic, he fought hard to suppress tears while reflecting on his beloved mother Priscilla.

Amazingly thought-provoking query, isn’t it? I believe the actor behind Jurassic Park was trying to convey… [struggles to continue] I can’t quite grasp why this question has touched me so deeply, but it definitely has.

Hollywood star says he is 'grateful' for his life as he gives emotional update on his blood cancer battle

My parents belonged to a time period that faced numerous challenges. They lived through the Great Depression, and my mother tragically lost her father during World War I.

She was raised without her father’s presence. Despite facing numerous challenges, they were resilient individuals who maintained a strong and silent demeanor.

Sam hails from Northern Ireland, as he was born there during his father’s military service assignment. His mother, Priscilla Beatrice Ingham, and his soldier father were the ones who welcomed him into this world.

During the same episode, Sam humorously commented that chemotherapy left him resembling a “shaven finger,” further explaining, “It was mortifying. I shed my beard and all my belongings, including my pride.

New episodes of White Wine Question Time drop every Tuesday and Friday on all podcast platforms. 

Hollywood star says he is 'grateful' for his life as he gives emotional update on his blood cancer battle

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2024-09-24 14:54

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