The New Zealand-born actor died suddenly in Sydney on Monday, his family confirming he remained cancer free after his 2022 blood cancer diagnosis.
Sam Neill has died in Sydney at the age of 78.
The New Zealand-born actor’s family confirmed the news in a statement on Monday, saying he was “surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life”.
His death was described as “sudden and unexpected”, though he remained cancer free following his blood cancer diagnosis in 2022.
Neill’s career spanned five decades and more than 70 films, including Jurassic Park, The Piano, The Hunt for Red October and My Brilliant Career.
Asked in 2024 whether he had any interest in reprising his role as Dr Alan Grant, Neill told Forbes: “Look, I can obviously play tennis – you see that in the show (Apples Never Fall), but as far as running from dinosaurs, maybe that’s it.”
“I was never trained as an actor, so I had to learn on the job and I’d like to think I’m a better actor today than I was 40 years ago. I think it’s a learning process. I think that’s what life is – you keep learning all your life.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led tributes on Monday.
“Sam Neill starred in so many beloved Australian stories and he earned a special place in Australian hearts,” he wrote on X.
This is a developing story. More to come.
