Sam Neill, the beloved actor known for his roles in Jurassic Park, The Piano, and Peaky Blinders, has revealed that he was diagnosed with stage-three blood cancer last year.
In his new memoir, Did I Ever Tell You This?, Sam Neill candidly discusses his battle with the disease, which he describes as a “spiral thread” throughout the book.
In an interview with The Guardian, Neill explained that he began writing the memoir as a way to keep busy while undergoing treatment. “I found myself with nothing to do,” he said. “And I’m used to working. I love working. I love going to work. And suddenly I was deprived of that. And I thought, ‘what am I going to do?'”
As he continued to write, Neill realized that the memoir was not only a way to pass the time, but also a lifeline. “It was a lifesaver really, because I couldn’t have gone through that with nothing to do, you know,” he said.
Did I Ever Tell You This? is not solely focused on Neill’s battle with cancer, however. The memoir takes readers on a journey through the actor’s life, from his childhood in New Zealand to his experiences on film sets over the years. Neill proves to be an excellent storyteller, regaling readers with amusing anecdotes and insights into the nature of celebrity.
Despite his illness, Neill remains optimistic and grateful for each day. “I can’t pretend that the last year hasn’t had its dark moments,” he said. “But those dark moments throw the light into sharp relief, you know, and have made me grateful for every day and immensely grateful for all my friends. Just pleased to be alive.”
The release of Did I Ever Tell You This? comes as Neill prepares to start filming on the television adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s bestselling novel Apples Never Fall, co-starring Annette Bening. Despite his illness, Neill remains committed to his craft and to living life to the fullest.
In sharing his story, Neill has provided a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, positivity, and gratitude in the face of adversity. Did I Ever Tell You This? is a must-read for fans of the actor and for anyone seeking inspiration and hope.
