Sam Neill Shares Why He Ditched 'Nigel' For 'Sam' In Childhood

Lacey Kuvalis 16 May 2025

Let’s talk about one of Hollywood’s beloved legends, Sam Neill. In a candid moment on The Kelly Clarkson Show on April 30, the actor revealed the surprising backstory behind his name change from Nigel to Sam during his childhood in New Zealand. It’s a story filled with humor, reflection, and a touch of nostalgia that sheds light on the actor’s early years.

From Nigel to Sam: The Name Change Story

During his appearance, the 76-year-old actor opened up about the unusual name his parents gave him at birth. “I was christened Nigel Neill — that’s like my parents giving me a disadvantage from the start,” Sam joked with Kelly Clarkson, the Emmy-winning host who was clearly intrigued by this revelation. Sam went on to explain how the name "Nigel" wasn’t exactly the best gift a kid could receive, especially in a school setting.

Kelly, always the supportive listener, suggested that Nigel Neill sounded pretty strong. But Sam had a different perspective, one shaped by his childhood experiences. “No, no, you never want to be called Nigel. It’s also called ‘Nigel No Mates,’ you know, ‘Nigel No Friends,’” the Jurassic Park star humorously countered, revealing the teasing he endured.

A Childhood Nickname That Stuck

Sam Neill Reveals the Reason He Changed His Name During Childhood — Murray Close/Getty Images

Sam recounted how he and his best friend, who was also named Nigel, decided to take matters into their own hands. “When I was 10, my best friend was called Nigel Nut and I was Nigel Neill. Yeah, that was a disadvantage,” he joked. To escape the ridicule, they embraced nicknames inspired by their love for Westerns. “So, I was called Sam and he was called Bill, and that was the best decision I ever made,” the Apples Never Fall star revealed.

Sam further explained that this decision not only helped him navigate childhood but also paved the way for his professional life. “There are no film actors called Nigel Neill. That’s never going to happen, you know,” he told Kelly, emphasizing the importance of the name change.

From New Zealand to International Stardom

Born Nigel John Dermot Neill in Northern Ireland in 1947, Sam’s family moved to New Zealand when he was just seven years old. Growing up in Christchurch, he attended the University of Canterbury, where he first discovered his passion for acting. This passion led him to work on local New Zealand films in the mid-1970s before he ventured to Australia.

His big international break came in 1979 when he starred opposite Judy Davis in My Brilliant Career. This role set the stage for a successful career that would see him work with some of the biggest names in Hollywood.