The New Zealand actor, whose career spanned more than 150 film and television credits, died unexpectedly Monday after recently announcing that he was cancer-free.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
SYDNEY — Sam Neill, the New Zealand actor known internationally for his roles in “Jurassic Park,” “The Hunt for Red October,” “Peaky Blinders” and numerous other film and television productions, died Monday in Sydney. He was 78.
Neill’s family announced his death in a statement posted to Instagram, describing the loss as sudden and unexpected.
“It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia,” the family said. “Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life.”
The statement said Neill remained free of cancer at the time of his death.
“The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free,” the family said.
Neill announced in April that he was cancer-free after receiving treatment for stage-three blood cancer.
His family thanked the medical personnel who cared for him in Sydney.
“They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care,” the statement said.
The family requested privacy while relatives mourned and said additional information would be released later.
“More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss,” the statement concluded.
Neill built a career encompassing more than 150 acting credits across film and television.
He became widely recognized for portraying paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 blockbuster “Jurassic Park,” a performance that established him as one of the franchise’s most familiar stars.
His other prominent film roles included appearances in “The Hunt for Red October” and the science-fiction horror film “Event Horizon,” which later developed a devoted cult following.
Neill also appeared in the Netflix series “Peaky Blinders,” extending a screen career that lasted more than five decades.
His acting work began with the 1971 television film “The City of No.”
Neill had remained active professionally and was scheduled to appear in Warner Bros.’ “Godzilla x Kong: Supernova,” which is set for theatrical release next March.
His death brought an unexpected end to the career of one of New Zealand’s most internationally recognized actors, whose work ranged from major Hollywood blockbusters to television dramas and cult films.
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