Neill is survived by kids Andrew, Tim, Elena, Maiko, and several grandchildren.

Sam Neill’s family: All about the late actor’s ex-wife, 4 children, and farm

Neill is survived by kids Andrew, Tim, Elena, Maiko, and several grandchildren.

By Brianna Zigler

July 13, 2026 2:32 p.m. ET

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Sam Neill at the AMEX Gala Party for ‘The Power of the Dog’ during the 65th BFI London Film Festival at Skylon on Oct. 11, 2021 in London, England. Credit:

Dave Benett/Getty

- *Jurassic Park* star Sam Neill recently passed away at the age of 78.

- Neill is survived by four children, one of whom he adopted from his ex-wife Noriko Watanabe’s previous relationship.

- In addition to his memorable onscreen roles, Neill became social media famous later in life for chronicling his fun farm exploits.

Sam Neill, the legendary New Zealand actor known for films like *Jurassic Park* (1993), *Possession* (1981), and *Hunt for the Wilderpeople* (2016), passed away on July 13 at the age of 78.

A statement released by his family described Neill’s death as “sudden and unexpected,” but unrelated to his previous battle with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma; Neill had announced he was cancer-free in April and intended to keep working.

Appearing in over 150 titles over the span of five decades, Neill helped to bring the New Zealand film *Sleeping Dogs* (1977) to international attention before starring in Gillian Armstrong’s directorial debut *My Brilliant Career* (1979)*. *After gaining more notice for his performances in horror films *Possession* and *Omen III: The Final Conflict* (1981)*, *he scored a number of roles in the following decade before landing what would become his defining performance: Dr. Alan Grant in *Jurassic Park.*

However, Neill’s true passion was his farm and his winery, Two Paddocks, the estate of which was also home to his many animals— all named after friends and colleagues, like Michael Caine and Meryl Streep.

It’s this preference for peace and simplicity that has reflected his approach to stardom. In 1995, he told the *Chicago Tribune* that “I’ve never had an image, nor have I fostered one or wanted one, which has meant that I’ve had fantastic freedom to do whatever it is that appeals at the time.”

As such, Neill was very private with his personal life, though he had relationships with film industry colleagues like Lisa Harrow and Noriko Watanabe. He is survived by four children.

As we mourn the loss of Neill, get to know his family and farm.

Neill was married to makeup artist Noriko Watanabe from 1989 to 2017

Sam Neill and Noriko Watanabe at the premiere of ‘Leatherheads’ on April 8, 2008 in London.

Dave M. Benett/Getty

In 1989, Neill married Japanese makeup artist Noriko Watanabe. They met on the set of *Dead Calm,* which Neill starred in alongside Nicole Kidman.

Watanabe’s makeup department credits are extensive, and include *Hacksaw Ridge (*2016)*, The Power of the Dog *(2021)*,* and *Silence *(2016)*. *She is also frequently credited as the personal makeup artist and hairstylist for both Kidman and Liam Neeson.

Neill and Watanabe were together for nearly 30 years before separating in 2017. In his 2023 memoir, *Did I Ever Tell You This?*, the actor opened up about being a “solitary single man” later in his life, considering whether it was a “personal failing.”

“I am past my use-by date and would not marry again,” he admitted. “These days I’m lucky if I go on the odd date. That suits me well, but it’s also a bit lonely.”

He has two sons from previous relationships

Sam Neill at 50th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 13, 1998.

Ron Galella/Getty

When Neill was in his early twenties, he had a son, Andrew, that was placed up for adoption. However, as Neill explained to *The Times* in 2014, the two eventually reconnected. They went “looking for each other” 25 years later.

“These reunions are portrayed as sentimental and grisly, but there is nothing sentimental about it. No one sobs in anyone’s arms; it’s much more grown-up,” he explained.

He also dated his *Omen III* costar and fellow New Zealander Lisa Harrow for 11 years, and the couple welcomed one son, Tim.

According to a profile of Neill from April 2020’s *Australian Story*, it was confirmed that Neill has several grandchildren through Tim, and he is pictured with one, named Caleb. While not confirmed as Tim’s son, the actor also has an older grandson named Felix, whom Neill has shared on his Instagram page.

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Neill and Watanabe have two kids, Elena and Maiko

Sam Neill and his step-daughter Maiko at the premiere of ‘Little Fish’.

Together, Neill and Watanabe had one biological child, a daughter named Elena. But he also adopted Watanabe’s daughter from a prior relationship, Maiko.

Not much is known publicly about either Elena or Maiko, although Elena had a brief acting career. She had a role in the 2004 TV movie *The Brush-Off* and appeared as a tattoo artist in one episode of 2017’s *Top of the Lake**.* In reality, Elena *is* a tattoo artist, per Neill, and based in Melbourne, Australia.

Elena had a daughter in 2013, per *Express**. *In a column for *The Spectator, *Neill had written, “I have recently had a new grandson. I say this almost as if it were a personal achievement, but grandchildren in truth are thrust upon you whether you like it or not. He seems a perfectly agreeable sort of chap, as babies go. He’s a quiet baby, and quietness is highly regarded in people that small. And in fact I admire it wherever I find it…”

In 2021, Neill celebrated the birth of Maiko’s son, Nhalo. Though Maiko’s Instagram account is private, her husband Sly Augustin’s is not. He posted a birth announcement for Nhalo, and two weeks later, Neill shared his own sweet moment with him.

Neill loved spending time on his farm — and sharing it on social media

Sam Neill taking a selfie with his pet pig, circa 2018.

Prior to the COVID-19 lockdowns, Neill became a welcome presence on social media through funny posts featuring his many farm animals. Then, during the pandemic, glimpses of Neill’s furry friends were a much-needed respite from the worldly horrors.

“People have said that there is so much bad news that seeing a duck on Twitter makes them feel better. Now I feel a responsibility to provide light in a bleak world,” he told *Australian Story** *in 2020.

Neil had ducks, pigs, chickens, cows, sheep, and more, most of which are named after friends and costars. He has a calf named Graham Norton, born from cows James Nesbitt and Helena Bonham Carter. He also has a pig named Imogen Poots, whom the actress got to meet in 2019.

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The animals live on a massive estate that also houses Neill’s winery, Two Paddocks, which was founded in 1993 and based in Central Otago, New Zealand.

Speaking with *The* *Times* in 2014, he said, “My wine has many more dimensions than I could possibly aspire to have. I don’t expect people to take me seriously, but I’m determined that they respect my wine. A few weeks ago it won a trophy and two gold medals in London. I call that the ‘up yours’ factor.”

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