New Zealand actor Sam Neill breaks down in tears over simple question in heartbreaking interview – following shock blood cancer diagnosis

New Zealand actor Sam Neill breaks down in tears over simple question in heartbreaking interview - following shock blood cancer diagnosis

As an ardent fan of Sam Neill, witnessing his emotional journey through life and now his battle with cancer, I am deeply moved by his resilience and strength. The poignant interview on The Assembly, where he broke down recalling memories of his parents, especially his mother Priscilla, was a testament to the profound impact they had on him.


In a deeply emotional interview, Sam Neill, battling stage-three blood cancer, found himself shedding tears as he was posed a straightforward query concerning his beloved parents.

As a lifestyle connoisseur reflecting on a poignant moment, I found myself deeply moved by the heartfelt response from the venerable New Zealand actor during the premiere of ABC’s The Assembly. When queried about the most valuable lesson he gleaned from his parents, his emotional disclosure resonated profoundly with me.

Overwhelmed by the intriguing query posed by an autistic interviewer in training, he found it difficult not to shed tears as he reflected on his mother Priscilla.

remarkably, that query truly captivated me. I believe the person who asked it was trying to… [pauses, emotion welling up] It’s odd, but this question struck a chord with me deeply for some reason.

My parents belong to an era marked by significant hardships. They lived through the Great Depression, and my mother experienced the tragic loss of her father during World War I.

She was raised without her father’s presence, facing numerous challenges along the way. However, they demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength throughout their trials.

Sam proceeded to recount a challenging academic year at university, as he barely managed any work due to his immersion in theater productions and his quest for a romantic partner.

He admitted that he grew extremely worried when final exams approached, as he discovered he had neglected his studies. Consequently, he felt compelled to share his predicament with his mother and seek her advice.

New Zealand actor Sam Neill breaks down in tears over simple question in heartbreaking interview - following shock blood cancer diagnosis

He shared, “I expressed that I feel like I might be experiencing a breakdown, as I have exams coming up in a fortnight, and I’m unsure of how I’ll manage.”

In a direct and straightforward manner, she turned her gaze towards me and asserted, “I guess it’s time for you to get yourself back on track, don’t you think?”

From her, I believe I gleaned an important lesson: at times, you must gather your strength and move forward. Although it’s challenging, it’s a valuable insight.

Sam was born in Northern Ireland during a time when his military father was deployed there. His parents were Priscilla Beatrice Ingham and Dermot Neill.

During an installment of The Assembly, a program where a team of journalist-with-autism are mentored by Leigh Sales, it came to light that Sam had undergone severe chemotherapy following his stage-three blood cancer diagnosis.

‘I’m on a different one now, so at least I don’t look like somebody’s bald thumb,’ he joked.

For a considerable spell, I found myself transformed, a spectacle that left me cringing. Gone were the days of my full-grown beard, replaced by an unfamiliar visage, and along with it, a sense of pride and dignity that seemed to vanish into thin air.

New Zealand actor Sam Neill breaks down in tears over simple question in heartbreaking interview - following shock blood cancer diagnosis
New Zealand actor Sam Neill breaks down in tears over simple question in heartbreaking interview - following shock blood cancer diagnosis

A year ago, it was disclosed that Sam discovered he had cancer in the year 2022, which was during his initial visit to New Zealand following a two-year period where lockdowns prevented him from going back home and seeing his family in person.

he had cancer.

After hanging up the phone and taking our seats, we shared a moment of mutual tears. The day was meant to be joyful, but it turned out that he wouldn’t be able to stay with us. This is how Tim put it.

Sam stated, “I found myself in a desperate struggle for survival. Everything felt completely foreign and quite unsettling.”

‘I had three or four months of reasonably conventional chemotherapies which are, brutal.’

One day, Tim paid a visit to his father who was receiving chemotherapy treatment. Shockingly, he witnessed how frail his father had become during the process.

New Zealand actor Sam Neill breaks down in tears over simple question in heartbreaking interview - following shock blood cancer diagnosis

I was taken aback, and I found myself unable to embrace him. He seemed so frail, little more than skin and bones. Then, he started criticizing me for my distress and claiming I was causing him anxiety, but I replied, “What are you saying, Father? Are you serious?”

As they began to hope that Sam’s health could be getting better, they received devastating updates – the cancer had returned, and this time it seemed more severe.

Sam was eventually put on an experimental cancer drug, which thankfully started to work.  

For about two years, he’s been in a phase where his condition is under control, but he acknowledges that the treatment may eventually fail.

He expressed that while he possesses knowledge about it, his enthusiasm for the topic is quite low. He also mentioned that it’s beyond his power to influence or manage it. Essentially, he advised others not to engage with something they can’t control. (in regard to the disease)

Sam receives infusions every fortnight from now on, and he’ll continue this routine as long as the medication remains effective.

The sessions are gruelling, ‘very grim and depressing,’ he said. 

New Zealand actor Sam Neill breaks down in tears over simple question in heartbreaking interview - following shock blood cancer diagnosis

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2024-08-22 04:49

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