Gillian Armstrong, the Australian director who gave Sam Neill his big break in the 1979 film My Brilliant Career, has paid an emotional tribute to the actor following his death. She described him as 'a smart, gentle, decent, passionate, loyal, surprisingly funny man' and expressed shock and sadness at his passing.
A Shocking Loss
Armstrong said she was 'shocked and sad' to learn of Neill's death, especially after he had 'just been through the cancer treatments and was finally free.' She noted the 'wonderful heartfelt tributes from everywhere' that poured in for the actor.
Neill was a great actor in many films and roles, according to Armstrong, who praised his versatility: 'Dashing, dry, evil, cheeky, damaged and very heroic.' She added that even her grandson 'knows that man with the dinosaurs,' referring to Neill's iconic role in Jurassic Park.
Early Days on My Brilliant Career
Reflecting on their work together, Armstrong recalled how young and naive they were during the making of My Brilliant Career. 'It was obvious from day one that the camera just loved him,' she said. She particularly remembered a pillow fight scene that Neill and Judy Davis improvised in rehearsals, which they made longer because it was so well done.
Neill did not attend the film's premiere at the Cannes Film Festival because he had a small role in the TV show The Sullivans. Armstrong noted that he later stood on many red carpets, earning well-deserved awards and working with incredible co-stars.
A Lasting Friendship
Armstrong and Neill rewatched My Brilliant Career together about eight years ago at a screening in Launceston. She was surprised to see him there and learned he was also hosting a Two Paddocks wine tasting. 'He thought it would be good to kill two birds,' she recalled.
After the screening, Neill engaged with the audience, sending himself up and expressing his belief that Sybylla definitely should not have married Harry, calling him 'a bit of a wet blanket.' Later that evening, they watched the 2019 Australian election coverage together, with Neill proudly texting Laura Tingle and talking to the TV.
A 'Lust Object' Through a Female Lens
Armstrong shared a quote from Carrie Rickey's 2019 essay on My Brilliant Career for the Criterion Collection, which noted that Neill was 'lovingly and lingeringly shot' in the film, making him a 'male lust object through the eyes of a female director.' Armstrong joked, 'There you go, Sam. I unconsciously made you a LUST object!'
She emphasised that Neill was always loyal and generous to the film and to her, recognising it as the kickstart to his career. He sent her pieces of his memoir to check over, and during a FaceTime call, she was shocked to see him completely bald but recognised his chuckle immediately.
Final Days and Farewell
The day before Neill died, Armstrong came across a rerun of his episode of The Assembly, where he was interviewed by autistic students. One asked what he had learned from his parents, and Neill paused, teared up, and tried to be kind about their lives. Armstrong said she teared up too, seeing 'little Nigel' (his birth name) standing alone on the train platform on his way to boarding school.
'I can't believe that the very next day he was gone. Now I am really tearing up,' she wrote. Armstrong concluded by sending best wishes and love to his family, noting that she and her husband finally cracked open a 1998 Neill pinot noir and made a toast. 'Thank you for being our Harry, and our Sam.'
