Renowned actor Peter Faber has died at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness. Faber, known for his roles in classic films from the 1970s, passed away on Thursday, August 6. He had been receiving treatment in hospital since early July due to breathing difficulties linked to an incurable heart condition. Faber’s five children, Jasper, Jesse, Daan, Danja, and Sam, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook expressing their grief over their father's passing. They described the final weeks with him as intense and sorrowful yet special, emphasizing how much time they were able to spend together. The family highlighted Faber’s unwavering energy and curiosity, stating he was an unshakable optimist who remained attentive to those around him, including medical staff and caregivers, even in his last moments. Actor Boris van der Ham remembered Faber on social media, recalling an occasion when Faber volunteered to perform for a woman celebrating her 80th birthday. She had written to Dutch celebrities asking if they would entertain her, as she lacked children and a large family. Faber immediately responded alongside others, bringing joy to her day. Van der Ham praised Faber as a precious human being and an outstanding actor in both film and television. Throughout his final days in the hospital, Faber maintained his passion for acting. Those close to him noted that he continued to act as he always had, reciting poetry, singing to his attendants, and smiling despite his physical decline. His sense of humor never waned, and the public's support through cards, messages, and flowers brought him comfort during this difficult period. Family members expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received and mourned the loss of a father, grandfather, friend, and vibrant artist. Faber made his breakthrough in the 1970s with the film Max Havelaar, followed by notable performances in several successful productions. Among these, A Bridge Too Far (1977), co-starring Sean Connery, and Soldaat van Oranje directed by Paul Verhoeven stand out. His contributions extended beyond cinema, leaving a lasting impact on television screens, particularly in the popular series Baantjer. Meanwhile, in another part of the world, New Zealand-born actor Sam Neill, who passed away last month at the age of 79 from pneumonia, will be remembered for his role in The Legend of Zelda, a film adaptation of the beloved video game franchise. Neill, best known for his roles in Jurassic Park and The Piano, had previously announced his recovery from cancer using gene therapy that altered his immune system. However, his battle with pneumonia proved fatal. Neill’s role in The Legend of Zelda, set for release in May 2027, marked one of his last film appearances. Filming concluded in April, though the specific character he portrayed remains undisclosed. Industry insiders speculate he might have played King Hyrule, the ruler of the fantasy kingdom central to the game's narrative. In addition to The Legend of Zelda, Neill filmed parts for Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, scheduled for March 2027, and The Last Resort, a romantic comedy in which he plays the father of the protagonist, portrayed by Daisy Ridley. Both projects are set for completion in the coming year. The Legend of Zelda franchise, launched by Nintendo in 1986, has grown into one of the most successful in gaming history, with over 170 to 190 million copies sold worldwide. It ranks third among Nintendo's franchises, following Super Mario Bros. and Pokémon. The upcoming film marks the first live-action feature based on the series, a project initially planned in 2007 but delayed due to concerns over potential failure, similar to the poorly received Super Mario Bros. film from the 1990s. Neill built an impressive career spanning film and television over nearly half a century. Known primarily for his work in fantasy and genre films, he appeared in three Jurassic Park movies, as well as horror films such as Omen III, Possession, and Blindness. His legacy continues to influence both cinema and television audiences globally.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
Slovenia
