Actor Sam Neill passed away on July 13, 2026, at age 78. Although he had been open about his cancer struggles, his family released a brief statement saying that his death was “sudden” and “unexpected.” Lower than per week after his tragic passing, his reason for death was made public by a representative for the “Jurassic Park” actor.
On July 15, a representative for the actor revealed that the “Jurassic Park” star had passed away as a result of pneumonia at age 78.
“Prior to becoming sick, Sam had valiantly fought and beaten lymphoma through a brand new treatment called CAR-T therapy,” the actor’s representative told PEOPLE magazine in a temporary statement.
The representative noted that the actor had been busy prior to now twelve months. Along with filming 4 projects back-to-back, he was also running his winery, Two Paddocks.
Neill’s Rep Requests Donations In Lieu Of Flowers
A personal family memorial shall be held at his Latest Zealand farm. The date of the memorial has yet to be announced.
“I’d prefer to thank those that were truly near Sam for considering his privacy with the respect he earned and his family members need and deserve during this immeasurably difficult time,” his rep added.
In lieu of flowers, Neill’s rep said that fans could donate to a number of the actor’s favorite causes, which include The Dunstan Hospital Foundation, The Snowdome Foundation, the NZ Nature Fund and Sustainable Tarras.
Sam Neill Was Diagnosed With A Rare Type Of Blood Cancer In 2022
In 2022, “The Hunt for Red October” actor was diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of blood cancer. He later revealed that he was in remission, but admitted that he would must receive chemotherapy for the remainder of his life.
Despite his cancer struggles, his family said that his death was “sudden and unexpected” in a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram following his passing.
“It’s with immense sadness that the whānau [extended family] of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday thirteenth July, in Sydney, Australia,” the statement began.
“Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life,” they continued. “The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the undeniable fact that Sam remained cancer-free. They would really like to precise their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for his or her incredible care.”
The statement went on to say, “More details shall be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you simply respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss.”
Sam Neill Left Behind 4 Children
The actor is survived by 4 children. He fathered a son named Andrew in his 20s, but he didn’t have a relationship with him until the pair reunited in 2014. He shared one other son, Tim, together with his “Omen III” costar, actress Lisa Harrow.
He adopted one other daughter, Maiko, together with his ex-wife, Noriko Watanabe, whom he was married to from 1989 to 2017. Additionally they shared a daughter named Elena.
Many Hollywood Stars Paid Tribute To The Late Actor
Most of the late actor’s costars took to social media to pay tribute to the actor following his death. His “Peaky Blinders” costar Cillian Murphy called him “certainly one of the kindest, funniest and gentlest people, and certainly one of the best actors,” adding, “Like everyone who knew and worked with Sam, I admired him and adored him in equal measure…RIP.”
His “The Hunt for Red October” costar Alec Baldwin shared a tribute on Instagram, saying, “Sam Neill was not only one of the vital talented people I actually have ever worked with, but certainly one of the kindest and warmest as well. After The Hunt for Red October, I had all the time hoped to work with him again.”
“Jurassic World” director Colin Trevorrow called the actor “a deeply soulful and delightful man” in his Instagram tribute, adding, “He was a friend and collaborator at a difficult time, and his strength gave us all strength.”
“I’ll remember him for his tranquility, his love of wine, and for the calm assuredness he dropped at his characters,” he continued. “It’s not every lifetime you get to befriend a legend. Eternally grateful.”