Noriko Watanabe is a professional make-up artist who married Sam Neill in 1989.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Noriko Watanabe |
| First Name | Noriko |
| Last Name | Watanabe |
| Profession | Make-up artist |
| Birth City | Tokyo |
| Birth Country | Japan |
| Gender Identity | Female |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Marital Status | Single |
| No Of Children | 2 |
Husbands and Marriage
She married Sam Neill, a well-known New Zealand actor who is also a writer, producer, director, and vineyard owner. He previously married Lisa Harrow, a New Zealand actress recognized for her appearances in British theater, film, and television. They have a son called Tim, who was born in 1983. However, the couple’s relationship did not work out, and the pair divorced after nine years.
Noriko Watanabe also has a daughter from a previous marriage. Maiko Spencer is her given name, and she was born in 1981. The details of her prior marriage are not known in the media. Later, in 1989, after being divorced from his first marriage, Sam Neill married Noriko. On the set of Dead Clam, where she was working as a make-up artist, the pair got along and got to know one other. Elena, the couple’s daughter born in 1991, was their only child. Three years ago, the couple became estranged from one another. The cause for their divorce has not yet been revealed to the public. In the year 2017, the couple divorced.
Her ex-husband Sam had a kid called Andrew in his early twenties, but he was adopted by someone else. They were reunited in 2014, and their reunion was much more mature than he had imagined. The photo below shows her ex-husband standing with his grandchild for the camera. There are now allegations that her ex-husband (Sam Neill) is in a relationship with Laura Tingle, an Australian Journalist, and novelist. She formerly worked as the political editor of The Australian Financial Review.
They began dating in 2017 and have been together since. It is reported that they met via a common acquaintance. Laura Tingle was formerly married to Alan Ramsey, a fellow journalist. In 1995, they made their vows to one other. Laura and Alan had a child together. In the year 2012, the couple divorced.
Controversies
In Brisbane, her ex-husband was photographed kissing another lady. There were speculations that the lady was Miranda Cummings, the proprietor of a business in Byron Bay. Another myth is that she is Rachael Brake, an Australian actress married to actor Tony Martin. However, there has been no confirmation from any side.
Net worth
Noriko Watanabe’s net worth has not been released, although her ex-husband Sam Neill is thought to have a net worth of $18 million as of January 2024, which is a substantial sum in and of itself. According to People with Money, he is one of the highest-paid performers in the world. The 72-year-old actor owns many eateries, including the Fat Neill Burger chain in Wellington, a football club (The Omagh Angels), and a clothing brand called “Sam Neill Seduction.” In New Zealand, he also debuted his vodka brand, Pure Wonderneill. He also promotes several businesses, such as Covergirl Cosmetics. Aside from performing, these are the other sources of income he has.
Trivia
- She was born in the Japanese city of Tokyo.
- Her ex-husband is the star of the popular film ‘Jurassic Park.’
