Sleeping Dogs was such a significant movie for Aotearoa. Sam carried every role and his real life with such class - we are allowed to miss him but carrying forward his values is the most respectful thing we can do. I hope heaven reminds him of Central Otago
I was listening to him when he was talking about the ugly trolls making threats, he said they were awful. I had sent him a message then to say how loved he was .. RIP
My good friend Heather so wisely said - I always felt like I knew him, even tho I only knew of him, and admired him. I think all of us feel just like that. Beyond his outstanding talents in film and arts, he struck me as such a very down to earth and decent human. He had a rare passion for this country, its people and his beloved Central Otago ( and of course his prized Two Paddocks ). As opposed to those who would wish him harm. What an ugly country we are becoming, well some quarters anyway. I doubt we'll hear anything from the self proclaimed Matua, he will be revelling in his own perceived magnificence.
Moe mai rā Matua Sam. A truly gentle, humane and real person - an inspiration to us all.
p.s. Thank you for Purea Nei. I played this song at my wife's funeral service, proudly stood and sang, which is something I never do in public as a service to others. It is beautiful and brings tears to my eyes listening to it.
Oh Nick that was wonderful. He was an exceptional man. He made so many good movies. In all the tributes no one has mentioned Dean Spangley, where Sam is actually the dog in human form. It is so well done. We must continue his good work in championing Otago against the mining company Santana. RIP Sam
Gentle, kindness personified, opined, refined, inclusive, wine's fine...thank you for mattering, thank you for the passion you exuded, see you my friend..
Ian Mune is your uncle? Sam Neill held you as a baby? My goodness, what mighty shoulders you've rubbed, even as a baby. Sam's death has really hit hard, with so many people. Such a huge loss to Aotearoa and beyond. I'll be crying for many days to come.
Sam was Bruno Lawrence's favourite NZ actor...and Bruno was born in the UK and came to NZ when young as well...but cancer did get him... and so he died quite a bit younger, at 57...I knew Bruno well because I lived with his sister-in-law for a good number of years, and it was at his funeral at Waimarama (where he was allowed to be buried in the Local Marae's Cemetery} that I first met Sam...a true fair dinkum gentleman, eh. RIP, Sam...
Sam's sister here. Been following your work for a while, Nick, and prior to my brother's death, when the family was gathered, I circulated one of your commentaries to some. I hope they read your tribute.
When he was dying he quoted a line from a Split Enz song wryly. I think it was "Nobody really knows me anymore.". Please put a link to it if you can. Thanks for your words. Arohanui
Sleeping Dogs was such a significant movie for Aotearoa. Sam carried every role and his real life with such class - we are allowed to miss him but carrying forward his values is the most respectful thing we can do. I hope heaven reminds him of Central Otago
A lovely thought-wish, Keith...
Āta mārie Nick.
I was deeply saddened and shocked upon hearing of the passing of this wonderful taonga of ours.
The entertainment industry, both here in Aotearoa and around Te Ao (the world) has lost a true treasure.
My aroha goes out to his whānau, friends, and to those who had the honour of working with and alongside this truly special human ❤️
E moe e te Rangatira.
Sleep peacefully.
Just lastly, thank you for this waiata. This is one of my favorites 😍
I was listening to him when he was talking about the ugly trolls making threats, he said they were awful. I had sent him a message then to say how loved he was .. RIP
What a wonderful tribute to a man who held you in his arms as a baby and in our hearts and minds forever 💜
Loved Sam Neill.just a class act. Made me proud to be an adopted Kiwi. The news yesterday really shook me up.
And we were both born in Ireland :-)
He was also a union man.
My good friend Heather so wisely said - I always felt like I knew him, even tho I only knew of him, and admired him. I think all of us feel just like that. Beyond his outstanding talents in film and arts, he struck me as such a very down to earth and decent human. He had a rare passion for this country, its people and his beloved Central Otago ( and of course his prized Two Paddocks ). As opposed to those who would wish him harm. What an ugly country we are becoming, well some quarters anyway. I doubt we'll hear anything from the self proclaimed Matua, he will be revelling in his own perceived magnificence.
Moe mai rā Matua Sam. A truly gentle, humane and real person - an inspiration to us all.
p.s. Thank you for Purea Nei. I played this song at my wife's funeral service, proudly stood and sang, which is something I never do in public as a service to others. It is beautiful and brings tears to my eyes listening to it.
Purea Nei is a beautiful waiata. I have taught often to many students. Lovely comment.
I’m not crying, you’re crying 🥺
We're all crying...
A wonderful tribute Nick to a wonderful man .... the song at the end is beautiful.
Thank you once again Nick, a terrific post!
Sam was a truly great kiwi.
I would like to second both statements, Kerry...
Oh Nick that was wonderful. He was an exceptional man. He made so many good movies. In all the tributes no one has mentioned Dean Spangley, where Sam is actually the dog in human form. It is so well done. We must continue his good work in championing Otago against the mining company Santana. RIP Sam
Sam.
Gentle, kindness personified, opined, refined, inclusive, wine's fine...thank you for mattering, thank you for the passion you exuded, see you my friend..
Ian Mune is your uncle? Sam Neill held you as a baby? My goodness, what mighty shoulders you've rubbed, even as a baby. Sam's death has really hit hard, with so many people. Such a huge loss to Aotearoa and beyond. I'll be crying for many days to come.
Sam was Bruno Lawrence's favourite NZ actor...and Bruno was born in the UK and came to NZ when young as well...but cancer did get him... and so he died quite a bit younger, at 57...I knew Bruno well because I lived with his sister-in-law for a good number of years, and it was at his funeral at Waimarama (where he was allowed to be buried in the Local Marae's Cemetery} that I first met Sam...a true fair dinkum gentleman, eh. RIP, Sam...
Another
Of Our Most Beautiful Dreamers
One Of Our Brightest Of Lights
Has Been Extinguished.
We Are In The Very Darkest Of Times.
How Will We
Find Our Way.
Sam's sister here. Been following your work for a while, Nick, and prior to my brother's death, when the family was gathered, I circulated one of your commentaries to some. I hope they read your tribute.
When he was dying he quoted a line from a Split Enz song wryly. I think it was "Nobody really knows me anymore.". Please put a link to it if you can. Thanks for your words. Arohanui
Thanks, Juliet, and sorry for the loss of your brother. The outpouring of love and sorrow has been remarkable, befitting the man.
I'm not sure about the song, but I wonder if it might be Nobody Takes Me Seriously:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKK5AiJEZJU
Yes! Brilliant. That was the song!