Sam Neill 1947–2026

We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sam Neill. Amongst his many film and television roles, Neill was wonderful as Mr Prettiman, in the BBC adaptation of Golding’s ‘Sea Trilogy‘, To the Ends of the Earth (2005). Just before the production was released Neill said:

I hadn’t read the books until I was sent the project and they are very beautiful books. Surprisingly hilarious, Golding is a very funny writer and it’s an extraordinary sort of ship of ill-sorted people.

The role is crucial to the narrative since, as John Carey writes, in the final book Fire Down Below, Mr Prettiman becomes Golding’s ‘hero’. Golding also said that Prettiman was based in some ways on his father, Alec Golding. Sam Neill’s portrayal is unforgettable.

‘The Sea Trilogy’ comprises Rites of Passage, Close Quarters, and Fire Down Below.

Sam Neill 1947–2026.

Image credit: BBC