Jurassic Park legend Sam Neill dies at 78; tributes pour in

Neill had been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer but revealed in April that he was cancer-free.

"It is with immense sadness that the whanau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia. Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life," his family said in a statement posted on Instagram.

"The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free. They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent's Private Hospital for their incredible care," the statement added.

"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 post read.

During a career spanning five decades, Neill appeared in numerous acclaimed films and television series.

Reflecting on his career, the actor once told CNN: "I never expected to have a career in film at all, or even as an actor. But it kind of happened, and no one’s more surprised than me."

Born in Northern Ireland to an English mother and a New Zealand father, Neill moved to Christchurch with his family in 1954.

He first gained recognition for his performance in Sleeping Dogs (1977), followed by leading roles in My Brilliant Career (1979), The Final Conflict and Possession (both 1981), Attack Force Z (1982), Evil Angels, also known as A Cry in the Dark (1988), Dead Calm (1989), Death in Brunswick (1990), The Hunt for Red October (1990), The Piano (1993), In the Mouth of Madness (1994) and Event Horizon (1997).

He rose to international prominence as palaeontologist Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park (1993), a role he later reprised in Jurassic Park III (2001) and Jurassic World Dominion (2022).

Outside cinema, Neill appeared in numerous television series, including The Tudors (2007), Crusoe (2008–2010), Happy Town (2010) and Alcatraz (2012). He also played the title role in Reilly, Ace of Spies (1983), portrayed Merlin in Merlin (1998) and Merlin's Apprentice (2006), and appeared as Major Chester Campbell in the first two series of Peaky Blinders (2013–2014).

Tributes pour in

Reacting to Neill's death, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described him as one of the "greats".

"Sir Sam Neill was one of the greats. He started out when there was barely a film industry in this country to speak of. For more than fifty years he took New Zealand stories to the world and his talents helped make our film industry into what it is today – one of our greatest cultural exports," Luxon wrote on X.

"His work will be watched and loved long after all of us. Our thoughts are with his family and friends tonight. Rest in peace," he added.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute to the actor, writing on X: "Sam Neill starred in so many beloved Australian stories and he earned a special place in Australian hearts."

"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," Albanese said.