Veteran New Zealand actor and entrepreneur Sam Neill, best known for his iconic roles in Jurassic Park, Merlin, and Peaky Blinders, has died at the age of 78.
Neill’s family announced his passing on Monday through a statement shared on his official Instagram account, revealing that the acclaimed actor died in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by his loved ones.
“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 statement 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. We would like to express our 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.”
Born Nigel John Dermot Neill in Northern Ireland to an English mother and a New Zealand father, Neill relocated to Christchurch, New Zealand, with his family in 1954. He began his acting career in the 1970s, earning early acclaim for his performance in the 1977 film Sleeping Dogs before rising to international stardom.
Over a career spanning five decades, Neill appeared in more than 50 films and numerous television productions. He achieved global recognition as Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise and delivered memorable performances in The Piano, Merlin, Peaky Blinders, and The Tudors.
Neill had publicly revealed his battle with a rare form of blood cancer in 2023 but announced earlier this year that he was cancer-free following treatment. His family, however, said his death was sudden and unexpected. No official cause of death has been disclosed.
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