Sunderland Echo

Documentar­y on TV star Neil

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and pursue a career in basketball. He spent the next decade playing high school, college, ABA and profession­al basketball.

After a serious back injury whilst being signed to North Carolina he returned to play in England. He also played in Spain and Greece, but injuries mounted resulting in the end of Neil’s playing career.

Undeterred, Neil found an agent who introduced him to the world of acting. He had “one to one” training from the actor Warwick Davis and this launched his second career choice.

After appearing in a number of documentar­ies, TV programmes and Internatio­nal TV commercial­s, he began to audition for film roles.

In his short career he acted with Keanu Reeves in the samurai action film, 47

Ronin, Mila Kunis in Jupiter Ascending and numerous Hollywood stars in X-Men: First Class, Avengers: Age of Ultron.

He also played a significan­t role as The Fisher King in Doctor Who. However, the role that most people remember Neil for is the character, Mag The Mighty in the TV hit, Game of Thrones.

Filmmaker Paul said: “Neil’s ‘never give up’ attitude is an inspiratio­n to us all and his life story encourages us all to strive to reach our potential.

“It’s been really great to meet Neil’s family and a truly humbling experience. I can’t thank them enough for putting their trust in me.”

If anyone knew Neil and would like to contribute to this project, you can contact the team on: bigsmooth@lonepinepi­ctures.co.uk

 ??  ?? Neil Fingleton, photograph­ed by Mark Garfinkel.
Neil Fingleton, photograph­ed by Mark Garfinkel.

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