Sam Neill, star of classics such as Jurassic Park, Event Horizon, Bicentennial Man, and In the Mouth of Madness, has sadly passed away at the age of 78. The New Zealand-born star appeared in just under 100 features, ranging from huge blockbusters to auteur pieces such as Andrzej Żuławski’s Possession and Jane Campion’s The Piano. Neill also appeared in the series Peaky Blinders, The Tudors, Merlin and The Twelve.
The star passed in Sydney early this morning.
“It is with immense sadness that the whānau [extended family] of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia,” the statement breaking the sad news read. “Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life. The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free.”
“They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care. 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.”
Neill had shared the upsetting news of a skin cancer diagnosis in 2023, with the exact diagnosis being stage three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, known as a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
“I’m not afraid to die, but it would annoy me. Because I’d really like another decade or two, you know? We’ve built all these lovely terraces, we’ve got these olive trees and cypresses, and I want to be around to see it all mature,” the star shared upon breaking the news. “And I’ve got my lovely little grandchildren. I want to see them get big. But as for the dying? I couldn’t care less.”
In April, Neill shared he was now “cancer-free” following CAR-T cell (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy.
Tributes and words of love have poured in following the news of the star’s passing.
“I’ll remember him for his tranquillity, his love of wine, and for the calm assuredness he brought to his characters,” wrote Jurassic World: Dominion director Colin Trevorrow. “It’s not every lifetime you get to befriend a legend. Forever grateful.” He also cited Neill as a “deeply soulful and beautiful man” who “was a friend and collaborator at a challenging time, and his strength gave us all strength“.
Neill was nominated for 53 awards during his 56-year-long career, winning 16, including an AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Evil Angel, a New Zealand Screen Award and a Logie Award for Outstanding Actor for Jessica.
Our condolences to Neill’s family, friends and fans during these sad times.
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