Sam Neill Opens Up About Stage 3 Blood Cancer Diagnosis and Finding Solace in Writing

Sam Neill, the renowned actor from “Jurassic Park,” has disclosed his stage 3 blood cancer diagnosis. Speaking to BBC, the 75-year-old actor shared that he was diagnosed in March 2022. In the initial chapter of his upcoming book, “Did I Ever Tell You This?” he writes, “The thing is, I’m crook. Possibly dying.” Neill sought solace in writing, which gave him a reason to face each day.

Last year, while promoting “Jurassic World Dominion,” Neill felt something amiss with glands in his neck. After learning of his diagnosis, he maintained a stoic demeanor but decided to “take stock of things.” He told the BBC, “I thought I need to do something, and I thought, ‘Shall I start writing?'” He soon found writing increasingly captivating.

A year later, Neill wrote the book without assistance, and it was published in record time. He jokingly noted that his publishers were eager to release it before he “kicked the bucket.” His memoir covers his non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis, but he emphasizes it’s not solely about cancer since he “can’t stand cancer books.”

Instead, Neill’s book focuses on his “fun” and “exciting” life. The Mayo Clinic states that non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Advances in diagnosis and treatment have improved prognoses for those affected.

According to the BBC, Neill lost his hair after the first round of chemotherapy, leaving him unhappy with his appearance. Despite the diagnosis, he remains positive. In an interview with The Guardian, he said, “I’m not afraid to die, but it would annoy me.”

He expressed a desire for another decade or two, explaining that he wants to watch his surroundings and grandchildren grow. However, he doesn’t care about the act of dying itself.

In his memoir, Neill discusses his battle with stage III blood cancer and his current cancer-free status. The Guardian reports that he had angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and underwent chemotherapy. He is now on a relatively new monthly chemotherapy drug for the rest of his life. Neill told the publication, “I’m not off the hook as such, but there’s no cancer in my body.”

His representative confirmed to CNN that Neill is in remission. He acknowledged the dark moments of the past year but expressed gratitude for life and friends. Neill is currently working on “Apples Never Fall,” a Peacock limited series based on Liane Moriarty’s bestselling novel, alongside Annette Bening. His book, “Did I Ever Tell You This?” is set to release on March 21 and is available for pre-order.