R.I.P Sam Neill dies at 78: Star of the Jurassic Park movies and more
Acclaimed actor Sam Neill has died suddenly and unexpectedly, aged 78, surrounded by family in Sydney.
Neill was diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma in 2022 — the same year he was knighted.
When chemotherapy stopped working on his stage-three blood cancer, Neill started a new treatment and announced in April this year that he was cancer free.
“It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing,” the family said in a social media post on Monday.
“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 expressed their “deepest gratitude” to 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,” the statement read.
Neill was a leading man, who was equally comfortable playing a villain as he was being the hero.
The versatile actor starred in dozens of films including Jurassic Park, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, The Piano, Dead Calm and The Dish.
He co-starred alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Australia’s Nicole Kidman and Judy Davis, as well as Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Harvey Keitel and Laurence Fishburn.
Just two weeks ago, Neill spoke of his joy at being nominated for a Silver Logie for his role on The Twelve.
“Many thanks to so many … another day ... but for now a wonderful cast and crew,” Neill posted.
“And a big shout out to my fellow nominees for best actor in a drama.”
Neill recently told The Daily Telegraph he could not think of anything more fun to do than acting, and most particularly in movies.
“It’s good to be in films that people remember with affection,” he said.
Born Nigel John Dermot Neill in Northern Ireland in 1947, he and his family moved to Christchurch, on New Zealand’s south island, seven years later. They relocated to Dunedin the following year.
He studied law at the University of Canterbury for one year then decided to pursue acting and played in theatre productions before he scored his breakthrough role in the 1977 film Sleeping Dogs.
Neill had two sons. One was born when Neill was in his early 20s but was given up for adoption, with the pair reuniting in 1994.
He had another son with actor Lisa Harrow while they were filming The Final Conflict in 1981.
He married makeup artist Noriko Watanabe in 1989. The couple had a daughter together, and he also adopted Watanabe’s daughter from a previous marriage. They separated in 2017.
Neill had stepped away from acting while he underwent cancer treatment to write his memoir that was published in 2023, titled Did I Ever Tell You This?
His publisher Text Publishing said Neill entered their lives in 2022 when he was “under the doctor” but had written a memoir to dispel the gloom.
“We read the manuscript and we fell in love with it,” a statement read.
“Did I Ever Tell You This? Is a wonderful book by a fabulous storyteller who led an equally fabulous life.
“And we fell in love with Sam. He was kind, humble, gentle. He was the one who was gravely ill and yet being with him made us all feel better.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among those who paid tribute to the iconic actor.
“Sam Neill starred in so many beloved Australian stories and he earned a special place in Australian hearts,” he said.
“Wry and dry, thoughtful and laconic, Sam fought illness with the same dignity, humour and conviction that gave strength to his every performance.
“He will be much mourned and long remembered. May he rest in peace.”
Actor Karl Urban wrote in response to the family’s statement: “Heartfelt condolences to your whānau. Sam was truly brilliant. An inspiration for many who followed in his trailblazing footsteps. A beautiful man. A national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and the to world. God speed Sam.”
A stream of other Hollywood actors and Aussie stars also commented.
The Princess Bride actor Cary Elwes wrote: “Completely heartbroken.”
Mahalia Barnes, whose father Jimmy is a very close friend of Neill, wrote: “We love you Sam. Rest in peace friend.”
Her brother David Campbell wrote: “Beautiful Sam. Farewell.”
Comedian wrote: “This is devastating. I really wish this was not true. Love to family.”
Pop star Kylie Minogue simply commented: “Vale Sam.”
Comedian Rove McManus also shared a tribute on social media, saying his entire household was “deeply saddened”.
“He was a gentleman, a sweetheart, humble as can be, gracious, giving and a delight to be around,” he said.
“Plus his formidable talent goes without saying. Sending our deepest sympathies from our family to his.”
Actor Magda Szubanski said she was “absolutely devastated”.
“Darling Sam. I really don’t have any words right now. I’m in complete shock. Last time we spoke he was going so well,” she wrote on social media.
“My heart goes out to his family and all who love him — and there are so many of us. Vale my darling friend.”
Fellow actor Rachel Griffiths said she was shocked by Neill’s death.
“Loved by so many — I’ll be cracking Two Paddocks tonight,” she wrote on social media.
Two Paddocks is a wine producer based in New Zealand that was owned and operated by Neill.
Foxtel Group chief executive Patrick Delany said the company was deeply saddened by the loss.
“A true pioneer of Australian screen whose extraordinary contribution to cinema and television has left an indelible mark on our industry,” he said.
“Sam was a long-time friend of the Foxtel Group, first as a Foxtel ambassador and, more recently, leading the cast across three seasons of the Binge original series The Twelve.
“His immense talent, generosity and contribution to our screens will be deeply missed by all those who had the privilege of working with him.
“Our thoughts are with Sam’s family, friends and colleagues, including the many cast and crew who worked alongside him over the years, at this very difficult time.”
Screen Producers Australia issued a statement, describing Neill as one of the screen industry’s most respected and enduring talents.
“His extraordinary talent and professionalism enriched countless productions and inspired generations of filmmakers and performers,” chief executive Matthew Deaner said.
“Australian producers were privileged to work alongside Sam on so many landmark productions.
“His contribution to Australian storytelling and to our screen culture is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire audiences and the industry for generations to come.”
Neill is survived by four children and eight grandchildren.
