Sir Nigel John Dermot “Sam” Neill is a multi-talented actor of his generation. In his nearly 50-year career, he has played leading roles in both dramas and blockbusters, making him an “international leading man.”
While Sam Neill’s personal life remains the focus of media attention, his recent disclosure that he was undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with Stage 3 Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, serves as a reminder that life can be unpredictable. According to Neill, the cancer is in remission, but he will need chemotherapy for the rest of his life.
People are curious about his private life now that they know he has blood cancer. In this article, we’ll focus on his nearly 30-year marriage to Japanese makeup artist Noriko Watanabe, which has been a popular topic of conversation.
Meet Sam Neill’s Wife, Noriko Watanabe
Noriko Watanabe was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. However, she eventually relocated to the United States to pursue her dreams of working in the film industry.
Watanabe’s first notable credit came in 1988 with the film The Everlasting Secret Family, and she has since worked as a makeup artist on numerous films, styling celebrities such as Nicole Kidman, Kate Winslet, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Additionally, she appeared in the television series “Top of the Lake,” which was directed by her friend and film director Jane Campion, who won the prestigious Silver Lion for Best Direction for her film, The Power of the Dog.
Watanabe’s work has not gone unnoticed. She earned a Hollywood Film Award for Best Film Hair and Makeup in 2006 for her work on the film Hacksaw Ridge. Despite her success, Watanabe’s personal life has also been the subject of media scrutiny, particularly her relationship with Sam Neill.
Sam Neill And Noriko Watanabe: A Love Story
Noriko Watanabe met Sam Neill, her future husband, on the set of the film Dead Calm. The couple was married in a private ceremony in 1989, and they welcomed a child together, Elena Neill, in 1991. While their marriage appeared to be strong, the couple divorced in 2017 after nearly three decades of marriage. Since their divorce, Noriko has remained single and focused on her career and her daughter, Elena.
Know About Sam And Noriko’s Daughter, Elena Neill
Noriko Watanabe’s daughter, Elena Neill, has made a few appearances in films and television shows. She collaborated with her mother on the television series Top of the Lake, where Noriko served as a head stylist in 2017. Elena appeared in one episode as a tattoo artist. While Elena has not appeared in any projects or films in the last five years, she has given Noriko a grandchild, of which Sam Neill mentioned the birth a few years ago.
Sam Neill’s Complicated Love Life
Sam Neill’s relationship with Noriko Watanabe was not his first marriage. He had a brief relationship with actress Lisa Harrow from 1980 to 1989, during which they had a son, Tim Neill.
After his divorce from Watanabe, Neill began secretly dating fashion rep Rebeccah Mahne. The introduction of Mahne at Sam’s joint 70th birthday celebration with actor Bryan Brown was a source of gossip, particularly as it was the first time both Mahne and Noriko had come face to face.
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FAQs
Who is Sam Neill’s current partner?
After his divorce from Watanabe, Neill began secretly dating fashion rep Rebeccah Mahne. The introduction of Mahne at Sam’s joint 70th birthday celebration with actor Bryan Brown was a source of gossip, particularly as it was the first time both Mahne and Noriko had come face to face.
What blood cancer does Sam Neill have?
According to The Guardian, Neill discovered he had swollen glands in March 2022 while in Los Angeles promoting “Jurassic World Dominion.” Weeks later, he started chemotherapy for stage three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a blood cancer.
Does Sam Neill have any children?
He had a brief relationship with actress Lisa Harrow from 1980 to 1989, during which they had a son, Tim Neill. Sam Neill then married Noriko Watanabe in a private ceremony in 1989, and they welcomed a child together, Elena Neill, in 1991.
