The question that shook Sam Neill | The Assembly | ABC iview

[@marcheeeen]

Grief never really leaves. You just get distracted. Until you are not.

[@scouserEFC81]

Wow. Martin, the simple elegance, meaning and cadence of your comment, just absolutely floored me. Cheers.

[@OrionCorsari]

…..And then, you just have to pull yourself together.

[@jesuischerie224]

Facts💯

[@Ragnarswe]

Well put good sir.

[@RicardoOtero]

Made me cry.

[@-MAD_TITAN-]

Sam is 76!?! He's looking amazing

[@champagnebulge1]

Yea. Hell of a man

[@matthewcrome]

And he almost died of cancer a few years ago, there was a long time where it seemed like it was the very imminent end, he was even like "I'm at peace now, I'm not afraid to die"

[@saintniccage2818]

And he has cancer here......man's is a gift to us mortals

[@Sharpe1502]

Sam Neil has heard of this thing called aging and decided back in the 80’s and 90’s that it wasn’t for him.

[@lindtplease1693]

crazy isn't it ! I assumed he was in his mid to late 60's :) Crazy I loved him in The Hunt for the wilder people, such an underated movie.

[@KyAl2]

She looked so concerned when he got emotional about the question.

[@onlyiforgive5083]

Obviously wasn't trying to upset him but i bet he felt alot better after talking about it

[@AdamHarte]

That wasn't confusion. That was empathy

[@waynepolo6193]

@@AdamHarte I’m not sure if you’re agreeing with the commenter or correcting, but yes, she could definitely see that her question had affected him far more than she anticipated.

[@elianioriofarrell]

No one said confusion ​@@AdamHarte

[@lolzlolz69]

@@AdamHarte Concern and confusion are not the same thing!

[@1nePercentJuice]

He looks incredible for his age. Man's a treasure

[@jamesshepherd8565]

Ya the guy hasn't aged in like 20 years

[@william0513]

It is a nice gesture that he is looking the person that asked the question in the eyes.

[@TauCeti973]

It's normal.

[@infiniteclear1215]

​@@TauCeti973 no in this world of today.

[@rickwilliams967]

Yeah, that's how humans talk to each other and show respect...

[@craigo2963]

I thought that too

[@RudyRusso]

The way he paused, man, that got me!

[@blackc1479]

Yeah, he had to really parse it out.

[@evanbelisle8464]

He misses his parents and probably realized how much time has passed since he’s seen or talked to them.

[@rutrwer8220]

@@evanbelisle8464 more like all the memroies comes crushing down on him good and bad. in germany we call that Erinnerungsflut sadly there is no english word for this.

[@DarkSector6247]

​@@rutrwer8220memory deluge

[@zacharycayer3234]

When he paused I messaged my parents and gave them my answer

[@anonamouse.p4115]

That GRACE that he carries and shared with this beautiful girl. That's an international treasure x!

[@ellekewilms6891]

Well put!

[@chrischappell9824]

That children, is a real man.

[@davidperkins6752]

this!👆👆👆❤❤❤

[@Karaokuma]

Couldn't have said it better myself. A real man isn't afraid to hide his tears because he knows he shouldn't have to.

[@user-xg6ib2xf5v]

Here he's obviously feeling very sentimental about his parents and started choking up. But while telling them his story about being told to "pull yourself together," he demonstrated it too by not breaking out into a sentimental mess in front of an audience and keeping his composure. Man, what a class act. Always liked Sam Neill. He's a down to earth, warm dude who can act from the heart.

[@fiveiron23]

It helps to acknowledge feelings rather than trying to suppress them, he came right out with the fact that it had moved him and allowed himself to be vulnerable rather than trying to stifle or hide what he was feeling.

[@msbutterflyz]

Touche.

[@florianguts320]

Seemed almost like he intentionally gave that answer as a reminder to himself. I believe it was as close to a perfect answer given such an open ended question.

[@voza-mj8hv]

Sentimental? Reductive choice of words.

[@rossdemarco922]

Is it just me or is there something unfathomably charming about how genuinely she asked him that.

[@ChristopherCraven]

Just sounded like someone asking a question to me.

[@EarlOfLemongrabb]

Sounded like someone asking a normal question to me

[@Jack-ch9zy]

Chris and Earl just haven't fathomed it yet.

[@godofcycling]

Good on him for answering because that is so personal.

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

Famous people answer such questions all the time.

[@CatsandJP]

This man can put a smile on anyone’s face …he is just a down to earth person..and that is what is part of his appeal…that sets him apart from all the others.

[@TubaTones]

All the other…. What? People? Actors? Men? Kiwi’s?

[@JlKylarSternlL]

Except Tommy Shelby.

[@CatsandJP]

@@TubaTonesPeople who think they are above everyone else.

[@samdedman7557]

​@@TubaTonesProbably comparing him to other famous actors . You don't need to read into the semantics too much lol just use your common sense 😂

[@1276PE]

Absolutely, class act Sam Neill 👏💯

[@blackbeard63]

A solid guy with a very human answer. Respect.

[@nicholasdickens2801]

God bless Sam Neil’s parents for giving him us and raising him to be the man we look up to.

[@Abbadonhades]

I think it's natural for someone who loved his parents, to be moved by a question such as this. It was as if you could see the cogs moving and the memories flooding in. It's a beautiful question, even though its not necessarily an easy one to answer. I think Sam Neill had to kind of extricate himself a bit from the emotional weight of the memories of his parents, before he was able to dip back in, and respond with that elegant and wonderful answer.

[@roryds1532]

Well put

[@captainnutsack8151]

very well put

[@judyveness7581]

This program was an unexpected delight-Sam Neill so empathetic with the young people.

[@terryd3056]

The young Lady asking the question is cute and has a beautiful soul. God bless them both.

[@denniskunstman782]

He is in all respects/aspects, a great guy.. With a great personality, and a gifted listener, and passes on things, with ease.. (as if it's no bother at all) I have nothing but respect for this man.

[@Transcendfinejewelleryonline]

I've tried to watch this twice and both times its brought tears to my eyes. This brings me memories of growing up with my parents. My dad has been gone for nearly 8 years and my mom has Alzheimers and dementia now, yet still those lessons they taught me and mom continues to teach me through this journey we are taking with her, continues to take us through our daily lives and challenges. Sam Neill, what a treasure you are,

[@msbutterflyz]

I too am losing my mum on the alzheimer's journey. Stay strong and take videos if you can. God bless. xx

[@motorcycle-man]

I wish you all the best in this.

[@TaniaSaucy]

I am such a softy old person. I could not hold a tear when I saw Neil struggling to keep himself together but he did follow his mother's advice very well. Great man.

[@markbiggart1265]

This is the most beautiful show. With the most lovely people. I loved this episode.

[@ZodyZody]

As ever, one of my favorite individuals on Earth!

[@SimoneCallegaro-s1m]

I was not prepared for the title of this video to be so spot on. That question really shook him and I deeply admire how he took the time to gather his thoughts and truly pull out something of such high value. Sam Neill is a fantastic man and a great actor.

[@chriswilson3126]

What a nice exchange. Sam and the lady who asked the question are both lovely people.

[@fiddlestix3025]

It was one of the most touching interviews. All of the questions were so great. And the answers equally. For Sam Neil to bare his soul in this way and to show his human side… I love it when one of the interviewers remarked about actors sometimes ‘putting on the mask of confidence’, - it really got me thinking. Bravo and my deepest thanks to the creators of this program, to the beautiful, warm and fearless Leigh Sales, to all the participants, all of them beautiful and fearless as well (or better sometimes, showing us how to do things despite the fear). And of course to the beautiful and fearless Sam Neil 💛❤️💜💙💚

[@AlisonCunningham-f8e]

Sam Neill is such a treasure, he treated these young people with the utmost respect.

[@mickmcdonald9373]

Her asking the question is just a sweet as Sam answering it

[@melissamccarl1683]

Love that he allows himself to be so vulnerable. The sign of a great artist.

[@adrianr87]

Sam Neill is a treasure.

[@TheNowhereMan0]

Indeed he is

[@thebernice6062]

That pause was so genuine. How do you pick the best lesson from the people who raised you? So many memories and so much emotion hitting you at once. Bravo, sir.

[@scoobstopb]

What a sweet young lady. She seemed to be worried he got so emotional.

[@stream_gene]

Sam Neil has always seemed like one of the most gentle and thoughtful actors working, he's not impulsive on his thoughts and opinions, he considers, he processes, and that is a hallmark to me of what a great actor is and should do.

[@magnuslundberg9675]

A class act man !!!

[@toddavies1326]

I think the answer he gave from his mother is stronger than it sounds. We take for granted in this day and age how good we have got it.

[@MrDcrules]

Sam is a magnificent, authentic actor and person. He gives context to what his parents went through and ultimately framed his experiences/lessons from his parents in positive terms. I respect how this was a hard question for him, but how he answered it with depth and honesty. Our relationships with family often are complex--and Sam really captured that here.

[@slimchelmi6940]

you can tell that the moment he actaully ponders thequestion, his mind is flooded with all the lessons he learned from them, and with it the appreciation he has for those lessons the fact that it takes him a while to even decide on which lesson he's going to impart on his audience alone speaksto that

[@Njald]

I wondered how the hell his parents could have been through the depression, then I googled and was surprised to realize that Sam is 76 years old. I know he been in lots of movies for several decades, but my stupid little mind never seen him as that old.

[@fnordeon1013]

Dont worry, there's nothing stupid at all about that. He looks amazing, amagining Sam as 76 is somewhat difficult❤

[@roddaman7545]

For what it’s worth, my parents went through the depression and remembered Pearl Harbor and ‘our boys’ going off to the war. My mom’s uncle was in WWI and I grew up using old farm equipment designed to be drawn by horses but adapted to our 1952 ford tractor. I’m 55 years old. Time stretches sometimes.

[@justinshriramkeeling609]

Here’s how the true man tackles an unexpected stab in the heart. Stoic, reflective, then honest and profound.

[@shaunloynds5317]

Beautiful moment. Beautiful response.

[@anneominous7172]

Incredible actor. He's one of that small handful that elevate everything they're in.

[@Keanureeves4049]

I've always followed my heart and pursued my dreams, and I t that people find that inspiring. I hope that is the effect I have on my fans and people in general. I definitely want to project a positive energy out into the world.❤️☺️🙏

[@GhostofGomezDawkins]

Sam seems like a real one and I respect his attempt at answering honestly, great stuff from both sides of the conversation.

[@mikebasil4832]

I've admired Sam Neill's signature as an actor ever since Dead Calm and Jurassic Park. So hearing him describe a personally tough lesson from his life is very moving. Thank you, Sam.

[@nataliehewitt731]

Sam Neill is such a brilliant, beautiful man ❤

[@MissCharlotte75]

God love you Sam. I love you

[@silversteele6624]

He proabably hasnt been asked too many genuine questions over his years of speaking to fake media, so i think the question itself and the innocence of the young woman asking the question is what really moved him. A beautiful, wholesome moment that gets me everytime i see it.

[@wufspyder]

I think that's a question that everyone should think about.

[@seanjones2456]

My mom is a Trump supporter. fart sound

[@dshepherd107]

That was quite a wonderful exchange

[@grogu1986]

Lovely moment ❤ she’s so sweet and Sam is a treasure. A legend 🥹

[@NEIL-CURCIO]

what a brilliant question from a sweet beautiful person

[@shaunusmaximus7248]

sam neill is one of those rare actors that never let his fame get to his head. he has always been a very down to earth, unbelievably funny and selfless human being. he is a wonderful actor, a wonderful person and, above all, a role model.

[@DarrenOSullivan-j2n]

Sam Neill is an excellent actor and I really love his work and this is a really special moment and it’s such a delight to be there with these lovely young people 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@andrewmacdonald4833]

I absolutely love this man..could listen to him for ages..

[@johnofardeal]

Apart from the outstanding question and equally good response, I have to admire how good he looks and how articulated he is at nearly 80! Chapeau, sir!

[@ChazzyWS]

I had the same kind of lesson(s) from my parents, both were born in the middle of WW1. Hard lessons, but I always knew they came from love... just like I see with Sam, hence the emotion!

[@neileyre6019]

A beautiful moment, which no doubt his mam and dad would be very proud of! A class act! What a guy.

[@cya2163]

He's so terribly lovely...

[@delnayelan]

THE HUMAN CONDITION ON FULL DISPLAY AND HANDLED WITH WITH SUCH GENUINE CARE AND KINDNESS.

[@leprovokateur7745]

Love the fact that he didn’t apologies for his feelings, it was his valid feelings

[@davidmacpherson8710]

Just love everything about this.

[@jogordon1530]

My parents were from the same generation - my father went through the depression and was a B29 pilot during WW2. The best thing I learned from my parents is that money doesn’t pay for happiness and it’s better to be poor than rich as you don’t fight over stupid things when you have nothing!

[@photosmithy]

He's the uncle I wish I had.

[@MobinKiadeh]

He's the father I wish I had

[@nei_hmande2427]

And the entire time, friends, maybe your Father and uncle are just as impressive. Go get to know em more (if you’re able) Be THAT son. Be THAT nephew

[@AukjesWingedWonders]

So touching, but his mother was right! ❤

[@corkyvanderhaven3391]

Her sincerity is moving

[@scroggins100]

I only wish there was a forum at schools where the elders could pass on a little wisdom in the same way. Seems to me to be a wasted resource.

[@JustFabulous26]

That would actually be amazing

[@harshbutfair8993]

It would indeed, I would add however that us older people also need to make sure that we're learning from younger people.

[@drbravo9267]

Oh man... He really pulled himself together! Very moving, what a nice man he is!

[@vickyo471]

Always been a fan. Even more so now. Respect to this thoughtful actor.

[@Fredrik7le]

Sam looks 10 years older max, than he looked like when he was in Jurassic Park.

[@jodycwilliams]

"Never marry a girl whose best friend is her mother. You're marrying them both." That's the best lesson my mother taught me, and she was 100% spot on. She told me that on my wedding day and I didn't hear her. I was divorced less than 2 years later.

[@Buffalo-n2y]

He is a wonderful actor ❤️ love him thankyou for sharing yourself with us in movies

[@solocarbonite]

An honest to goodness human exchange.

[@jeraldcastillo3357]

I like how the question and the answer were delivered in this video. I can understand that the lesson he stated can be hard and seem impossible to accomplish for the vast majority, but, sometimes there is just no other option than to pull yourself together. Tough lesson but a good one.

[@2009captainpaul]

I've always held Sam Neill way up there as an incredible actor and seemingly down to earth person. Alongside Hugh Jackman and the criminally underrated Guy Pearce. The wife and I recently binged "Apples Never Fall" in which Sam was awesome in, just as was Annette Bening and the rest of the cast. This clearly shows his empathy and vulnerability. As for the beautiful young girl asking such a beautiful question, what an absolute sweetheart.

[@ZiggyHernandez]

Poor Sam…it says so much about the lives of actors that he was thrilled to finally be asked a good question

[@brianmooney2654]

A great down to earth Kiwi and wonderful versitile actor.

[@MrKremsen]

A question asked by a stunning young lady and answered perfectly by a great actor.

[@jdeamaral]

Wow! I love these types of moments

[@oakmaiden2133]

Just love when an interviewer asks a question that isn’t cliché.

[@WaniZame]

The way he reacted is naturally. When one’s parents have been gone for a long time thinking of them can throw you off guard.

[@waynehauser3611]

I think Sam is one of the best actors ever ! He just seems so genuine and real, and i think he carries that into the parts he plays. I just enjoy watching him . He is just real and i believe what ever he does i think that's it.

[@Tyler-Clark]

Good advice that everyone needs to hear these days.

[@Alric1885]

Just recently bought a bottle of Pino from his Two Paddocks winery…..and I swear I’ll never drink it! To emotionally attached I think. Total respect for Sam! Best wishes from Australia 🇦🇺👍🏻

[@kathyfreeman9596]

Sam is such a solid classy man ❤ wish him wellness/healing/lite ❤️🇨🇦

[@lindtplease1693]

Loved this series. So many really interesting questions which connected with their subjects :)

[@iammichaeldavis]

What a beautiful moment

[@81Svante]

Two things i want too say. This proves That Sam Neil is a kind and honest person. He has his feet on the earth all the time. I will allways love as a actor and person. And the second thing is that it´s the truth. Pull your self together and something whatever is get it. Never give up but dont step on people to achive your goal. If you do that inadvertently always say that you are sorry. You get much longer in life

[@zeldacoach2528]

I’m really enjoying this show. The questions are really good, and the interviewees are quite considered in their answers. Loving it ❤

[@victors8465]

There's something very austere about Sam. In just about every show where I've seen him on screen as himself (not playing a part) he does come across as a very personable man. No airs and graces about him, nothing that makes you feel as though he thinks he's better than the person sitting across from him. And although he's made a success of himself (both on the silver screen and off it), I'm always left with the impression that you could easily strike up a conversation with him were your paths to cross, be it in a cafe or a supermarket aisle. And he wouldn't make you feel as though you were being a burden or wasting his time.

[@HamilcarBarca-jm3ey]

He's a wonderful actor. A very human response to a tough question.

[@NipItInTheBud100]

That’s a life lesson we should all learn along the way….now more than ever!! I just love Sam Neill!

[@philipcregger6477]

I absolutely adore Sam Neill.

[@maryeliason1504]

I've always loved him, & now even more. ❤

[@GhANeC]

It is a tough lesson. And one that doesn’t always work… but many times, it is indeed needed

[@hobowithawaterpistol9070]

I never knew he was British! He’s a fine actor! My parents weren’t big on inspirational words, they lead by example! One day when I was little, my dad and I were walking downtown and I always had my head down. I walked right into a wall mounted mailbox. Sometime later, we we were in a convenience store and my dad said “What’s that up there?” I looked up on the top shelf and it was cereal! He then said to me “Sometimes you need to look up to see what’s on the top shelf!” I’m pretty sure, I never walked with my head down again after that! Thanks Dad! ❤

[@_pacalis]

lol he's from New Zealand

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

He's not British, he's from New Zealand...

[@richstex4736]

He's a Kiwi.

[@eoinforan]

While Sam was born in Tyrone (Northern Ireland, UK), he's lived in New Zealander since he was 7 years old and considers himself, first and foremost, to be a New Zealander :)

[@munawwarghazali2994]

Last I knew.. he's Kiwi i.e New Zealander.. Had followed him since his Damien: Omen.. Obviously marvellous as Dr. Grant in Jurassic Park 1.. & loved his potrayal as XO-Borodin alongside the great/late Sean Connery in Hunt for Red October..

[@MapleJames76]

When a man thinks back on his parents, and tears fill his eyes, he's had a beautiful upbringing.

[@carastone3473]

I just love Sam Neill! He seems so down-to-earth and kind. Still looks great too!

[@CactuarKnight]

What a Charming Man Sam Neill is. And what a polite young lady she is, who asked the question.

[@WeirdSkellyK1]

He's such a lovely nan, handsome, smart and charming. I have much love for Sam Neill ❤

[@songoku6067]

I always liked Sam Neil despite only knowing him from Jurassic Park he just has that aura of a very intelligent, kind and charismatic person always happy to see him appear in movies

[@alishademmery3581]

What a brilliant show

[@ohnezuckerohnefett]

What a great human he is.