Beloved actor Sam Neill has died at the age of 78, with his family confirming the heartbreaking news in a moving statement.
The Jurassic Park star passed away unexpectedly on Monday in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by his loved ones. His family revealed that while his death was sudden, he had remained cancer free following his recent treatment.
“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, shared on Instagram, 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.”
The family also thanked the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their care and asked for privacy as they navigate their loss.
A remarkable career
Born Nigel John Dermot Neill in Omagh, Northern Ireland, in 1947, Sam moved to Christchurch, New Zealand, with his family when he was seven years old.
After discovering there were several other boys named Nigel at school, he adopted the name “Sam” – the name by which the world would come to know him.
© Universal PicturesHe later studied English literature at the University of Canterbury, where he first discovered his passion for acting.
That passion would lead to one of the most celebrated careers in international cinema, spanning more than five decades.
© Universal PicturesSam became a household name through unforgettable performances in films including Jurassic Park, The Piano, The Hunt for Red October, The Horse Whisperer, Event Horizon and Jurassic World Dominion.
He also won acclaim on television with roles in Peaky Blinders, Apples Never Fall and The Tudors.
A joyful health update
News of Sam’s death comes just months after the actor shared the uplifting news that he was cancer free following an innovative CAR T-cell therapy trial.
After living with stage-three blood cancer for almost five years, he revealed earlier this year that scans showed “no cancer” in his body.
© ITV“I’ve just had a scan just now and there is no cancer in my body,” he said at the time. “It’s an extraordinary thing. I’m very, very excited.”
The actor also became a passionate advocate for expanding access to the treatment, hoping more Australians and New Zealanders would benefit from the breakthrough therapy.
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