Sam Neill is navigating a challenging personal period. The world-renowned actor, known for films like Jurassic Park, and popular series such as Peaky Blinders and Alcatraz, spoke in a candid interview with The Guardian about his health. He revealed that he is living with cancer.
During the conversation with the English publication, an interpreter relayed that Neill was undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer diagnosed during the promotional period for Jurassic World: Dominion in March 2022. According to a report from the BBC’s online edition, his case is characterized as an aggressive form of cancer that has progressed to an advanced stage.
The news initially left many fans concerned, as Neill had to pause his acting work. He instead channeled his energy into writing an autobiographical book. The manuscript, titled Did I Ever Tell You? (Did I tell you this before?), touched on his experiences with illness and the emotional toll it took. In excerpts that circulated online, he wrote about the weight of a life-threatening diagnosis and the feelings it stirred, including moments when he wondered if his time might be running out.
Following the spread of those passages, Neill addressed the reactions directly. In a video posted to his official Instagram account, he explained that his health news had traveled far and wide, sometimes leading to sensational headlines. He stated that the cancer had been receding for the previous eight months and that he was feeling hopeful, healthy, and ready to get back to work. He emphasized that his current state was far from despair and that he remained active and focused on his commitments.
Neill reflected on the context in which the book was written. He indicated that the decision to write arose not from a desire to publish a detailed medical diary but from a need for something to occupy his mind during treatment. He described how therapy schedules and the monotony of hospital visits gradually gave way to a routine that included work, which he found both grounding and challenging. He noted that his intention was not to dwell on illness but to provide a truthful account of the journey, acknowledging how readers responded with empathy and curiosity.
In discussing his path forward in acting, Neill expressed a renewed sense of purpose. After the medical challenges, he announced plans to return to the screen within days, underscoring his determination to continue his craft despite the illness. The actor’s openness about his diagnosis, treatment, and recovery has resonated with many, illustrating how public figures often navigate personal health struggles while maintaining professional commitments and creative output.