Alec Baldwin, 68, has faced widespread criticism after posting an Instagram tribute to his late The Hunt for Red October co-star Sam Neill, which many viewers described as self-indulgent and oddly focused on his own role in the film. The video, intended to honor Neill following his death at age 78, instead became a lengthy director's commentary on the 1990 submarine thriller, with Baldwin barely mentioning Neill until the final seconds.
Baldwin's Tribute Takes an Unexpected Turn
The video begins solemnly, with Baldwin saying, 'I just wanted to come on here quickly and say how stricken I was to learn of the death of Sam Neill.' However, within seconds, the tribute shifts to a detailed recollection of the film's production, including praise for director John McTiernan, a memory of meeting author Tom Clancy, and a roll call of co-stars such as Sean Connery, Tim Curry, and James Earl Jones. Baldwin also shares a story about actor Ronald Guttman smoking while doing a Russian accent and performs an impression of James Earl Jones. Sam Neill, the subject of the tribute, is largely absent from the narrative until the closing moments, when Baldwin says, 'Anyway, oh my God. My God. Sam Neill. My love to his family.'
Internet Reaction: Confusion and Mockery
Social media users quickly pounced on the unusual video. One person wrote on X: 'Alec Baldwin’s Instagram “tribute” to his Red October Co Star Sam Neill, where he spends almost 3 minutes talking about his own filmography & every other actor in October who isn’t Sam Neill might be the most unintentionally funny thing I’ve ever watched.' Another commented: 'He forgot what he was supposed to be talking about? He had zero to say about Sam.' A third user added: 'I forgot he was talking about Sam Neill I think he mentioned him in the first 9 seconds and then didn’t talk about him again (except for last 2 secs). This just became an Alec Baldwin/Hunt For Red October brag.'
While many criticized Baldwin's approach, some defended him. One Instagram follower wrote: 'You always talk so calming and compassionate and so kindly about all the people you have worked with.' Another said: 'You didn’t say much about Sam Neill but good introspection about Red October. I should see it again! Sam Neill was magnificent.'
Sam Neill's Death Confirmed
Neill's family confirmed his death in Sydney on Monday at age 78. In a statement, they said: 'It is with immense sadness that the whānau [family] of Sam Neill share the news of his passing… Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterized his whole life.' They added that, despite his death coming as a shock, Neill had recently remained cancer-free following treatment for blood cancer.
Baldwin's representatives have been contacted for comment. The actor likely intended the video as a sincere tribute, but the internet's focus remains on its bizarre structure.
