"I'm prepared for that": Sam Neill shares worrying cancer update
In a poignant and candid interview with Australian Story, beloved film icon Sam Neill shared a heartbreaking update about his ongoing battle with cancer.
The 76-year-old actor revealed that he was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer, angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, earlier this year, a condition that has tested his strength and resilience in profound ways.
Neill's journey through this harrowing ordeal has been nothing short of inspiring. He opened up about his initial chemotherapy treatment, which unfortunately did not prove successful. However, his dedicated medical team, led by a compassionate doctor, made the crucial decision to switch him to an anti-cancer drug. This treatment shift yielded encouraging results, putting Neill into remission for over 12 months.
The actor's words carried a mix of hope and vulnerability as he admitted that, tragically, this anti-cancer drug would eventually stop working. “I’m prepared for that,” Neill stated with a remarkable degree of composure. He went on to share that while facing one's mortality is, understandably, not a comforting prospect, he remains unafraid of it.
These words exemplify Neill's unwavering strength and courage, qualities that have defined his illustrious career in film and have been a source of inspiration to countless fans worldwide.
Despite the physical toll of his treatment, which leaves him feeling as if he's been through "10 rounds with a boxer" in the days following each session, Neill continues to dedicate himself to his craft. Retirement is not even on the horizon for this determined actor, who still finds profound joy in being in front of the camera and collaborating with fellow artists.
Currently, Neill is engaged in the filming of an adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s Apples Never Fall on the Gold Coast. Additionally, he is set to appear in the second series of the mini-series The Twelve, filmed in Western Australia. Through the highs and lows of his journey, Neill has found an unwavering source of support in his close friend, Australian actor Bryan Brown.
Reflecting on his storied career, which has spanned over five decades and touched the hearts of many, Neill expressed his gratitude for the privilege of working alongside numerous talented actors. He stated, "I can't tell you how privileged I am to spend that amount of time with so many actors, so many of whom I've really enjoyed and so many of whom I've really admired." This sentiment underscores the depth of his love for his craft and the art of storytelling.
Despite the challenges he faces, Sam Neill is not merely focusing on his film career; he's also been dedicating time to working on a new book, titled Did I Ever Tell You This?.
In this book, he plans to share personal stories and anecdotes from his rich and diverse career. For Neill, this book is a way to leave a lasting piece of himself for his children and grandchildren, ensuring that his experiences and wisdom are passed on to future generations.
Images: Instagram