Alec Baldwin is receiving some intense backlash for his “self-centered” tribute to the late Sam Nell, who died on Monday.
Following the death of the “Jurassic Park” actor, Baldwin took to social media to post a nearly 3-minute Instagram video about Neill. The tribute, however, quickly received harsh reactions online as Baldwin seemed to have only mentioned Neill in the opening 10 seconds and the last five seconds of the clip.
“I just wanted to come on here quickly and say, how stricken I was to learn of the death of Sam Neill,” Baldwin began the video he posted on Monday.
“When I did ‘The Hunt for Red October,’ we shot in ’89, it came out in 1990, a long time ago,” he continued, before reminiscing about his experience filming the movie and name-dropping the cast.
He eventually circled back to Neill — who played Captain Vasili Borodin in the film — at the end of the video.
“That is one of the few movies I have ever done where I remember the whole movie,” he said. “That’s what a fan I am of that work. Not me. I’m not a fan of my work, but I am a fan of their work.”
“Anyway, oh my God. My God. Sam Neill. My love to his family, My love to his family,” he added.
Followers were quick to react to Baldwin’s tribute.
“Omg I’m sorry I thought you were paying respects to Sam Neil. I didn’t realize it was all about you,” one user commented on Instagram.
“You didn’t say anything about Sam,” another added.
“Damn. I kept waiting to hear some good things regarding Sam Neill,” one follower quipped. “Not much of a tribute to Sam but just a name mention. Do better Alec.”
However, many came to the actor’s defense, praising him for the “most genuine” tribute.
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“You always talk so calming, and compassionate and so kindly about all the people you have worked with, known,” one user commented. “Sam Neill what a great actor.”
“Alec Baldwin talks to you like you’re a friend sitting or walking beside you,” another added. “It’s great and tells you a lot about him as a person first and then an actor.
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“You create the most genuine, heart felt, loving, interesting posts when someone you know dies,” one user commented. “They are always so kind and thoughtful and they contain original tidbits of the person’s life.”
Neill died suddenly at age 78 on Monday after he recovered from cancer, his family announced.
Neill was surrounded by family when he passed away.
“It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia,” his family said in a statement shared on Neill’s Instagram page.
“The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free,” his family added.
Neill “passed with the dignity that has characterized his whole life,” his family said.
Shortly after the news was announced, tributes began pouring in from those who knew him best as not only a gifted performer, but a kind, generous and deeply beloved friend.
Nicole Kidman, who starred alongside Neill in the 1989 thriller “Dead Calm,” said she was “immensely saddened” by the news.
“Sam was one of the greats, a joy to be around,” Kidman said in a statement to The Sydney Morning Herald. “We met when I was just 18, and he took me under his wing, and we stayed friends for life. He was charming, kind, funny and intelligent. He will be greatly missed, and my heart goes out to his family.”
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Neill’s “A Long Way Down” and “Dirty Deeds” co-star Toni Collette shared an emotional tribute on Instagram.
“My friend Sam left us this morning. Yes, he was an incredible actor. But he was also the most beautiful, decent gentleman. A big hearted king with a dry, hilarious wit. I feel so lucky to have known him,” she wrote on her Instagram Stories. “When I think of Sam I always see him giggling. It is a terribly sad day. Rest in peace, dear Sam.”
Collette also shared a throwback photo of the pair, writing, “I love you, dear Sam. You hero. You legend. You sweetheart. Our great friend. You are already missed so very much. Continue in peace wherever you are.”
