New Zealand actor Sam Neill died suddenly at the age of 78 on Monday, his family confirmed in a statement shared through his official Instagram account, as reported by Fox News.
According to the statement, Neill was surrounded by family members when he passed away in Sydney, Australia.
Sam Neill, the New Zealand-born actor, documentarian and winemaker, has dies, according to a post on his official social media channels. https://t.co/sJgMtsx4Hz pic.twitter.com/8BMTtmzl90
— The Sydney Morning Herald (@smh) July 13, 2026
"It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday, 13th July, in Sydney, Australia," his family wrote.
The statement described Neill’s death as both sudden and unexpected, but noted the family found comfort in the fact that he had remained free of cancer.
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"The loss was sudden and unexpected, but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free," they added.
His family also said he "passed with the dignity that has characterized his whole life," emphasizing the grace with which he had always carried himself.
View this post on Instagram
Neill, who was best known for his role as Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, had previously shared that he had been diagnosed with stage-three blood cancer.
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In April, just months before his passing, Neill announced encouraging news that he was cancer-free following treatment.
"I’ve just had a scan just now, and there is no cancer in my body, that’s an extraordinary thing," he said at the time. "I’m very, very excited that this can happen."
His family’s statement asked for privacy as they "navigate this immeasurable loss" and indicated that additional details would be shared at a later time.
Neill’s sudden death comes as a shock to fans around the world who had celebrated his recovery and were hopeful for his continued good health.
Beyond Jurassic Park, Neill’s acting career spanned decades, with noteworthy roles in productions such as The Portable Door, The Piano, The Hunt for October Red, and Event Horizon.
Tributes are expected to pour in for Neill, a beloved figure in both New Zealand and international cinema, remembered as a performer who imbued his characters with depth, warmth, and authenticity.
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