Veteran actor Sam Neill, best known for his roles in the “Jurassic Park” series, recently shared a candid and heartfelt interview detailing his ongoing battle with stage 3 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. In March 2022, he received the devastating diagnosis and embarked on a challenging journey towards recovery.
In an interview with “Australian Story,” Neill revealed the ferocity of his battle with the illness and the unanticipated hurdles he faced during treatment. After several months of grueling chemotherapy, which he described as stripping him of “any kind of dignity,” the cancer displayed resistance to the treatment, intensifying the struggle. Despite this setback, Neill’s determination to fight remained unwavering.
Dr. Orly Lavee, Neill’s physician, recounted that he was committed to exploring innovative treatment options. She prescribed a novel drug, which, to their astonishment, began showing positive results. As Neill expressed, “I have been in remission ever since then, and I’m immensely grateful for that.”
His ongoing treatment regimen involves regular medical interventions, but the actor remains resolute, asserting that “being alive is infinitely preferable to the alternative.”
Thanks to his successful treatment, Neill has been able to reengage with his career, marking his first substantial work in over a year. He voiced his aversion to the idea of retirement, emphasizing his love for the work he does. He acknowledged the possibility that his current treatment may cease to be effective in the future, but he remains prepared for such an eventuality.
Neill’s son, Tim, disclosed that his father seldom discusses his illness and didn’t divulge specifics about his condition even to close family members. With a smile, Neill declared, “I’m not interested in cancer. I’ve got other things on my mind.”
One thing that did captivate him during his battle was the idea of leaving a legacy for his loved ones. Struggling through the initial stages of treatment, he began to document stories he wanted to pass on to his children and grandchildren, eventually culminating in his memoir, “Did I Ever Tell You This?,” which was released in March. He viewed this memoir as a means of ensuring that his experiences and wisdom would be preserved for generations to come.
