Actor Alec Baldwin has drawn criticism for his Instagram tribute to Sam Neill, a co-star from the 1990 film "The Hunt for Red October." Neill died on Monday at the age of 78. Baldwin's nearly three-minute video, posted on Monday, predominantly featured his recollections of filming "The Hunt for Red October," with Neill, who played Captain Vasili Borodin, mentioned only briefly at the beginning and end of the clip.
In the video, Baldwin, who starred as Jack Ryan, reminisced about the film's production, released in 1990. He spoke about director John McTiernan, author Tom Clancy, and named 14 castmates, including Sean Connery, Tim Curry, and James Earl Jones. He also recounted an anecdote involving actor Ronald Guttman. Baldwin stated that "The Hunt for Red October" was one of the few movies he had ever made that he remembered the entire film, attributing this to his admiration for the work itself, rather than his own performance.
He concluded the video by addressing Neill directly, saying, "My love to his family. My love to his family." Neill's family announced his passing in a statement, noting he died peacefully in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by family and that he remained cancer-free.
Social media users expressed disappointment with Baldwin's tribute. On X, one commenter wrote, "It is classic Baldwin to make everything about himself, even when the goal is supposed to be honoring a legendary co-star." Another user posted, "He forgot what he was supposed to be talking about? He had zero to say about Sam." Some also noted that Baldwin seemed to remember the video's purpose only in the final moments.
However, some Instagram followers defended Baldwin's message. One commenter wrote, "You always talk so calming and compassionate and so kindly about all the people you have worked with." Another suggested, "You didn’t say much about Sam Neill but good introspection about Red October. I should see it again! Sam Neill was magnificent. Had a crush on him for decades!"