Actor Sam Neill passed away due to pneumonia and will be remembered at a private family gathering on his farm in New Zealand, as confirmed by his agent to The Associated Press today. Neill, famous for his roles in movies like “Jurassic Park” and “The Piano,” died at the age of 78 in Sydney earlier this week.
His agent, Philip Grenz, clarified the circumstances surrounding Neill’s death, stating that the actor had battled and overcome lymphoma with CAR-T therapy before succumbing to pneumonia. Despite his illness, Neill had been actively working on four upcoming projects, set to be released in the near future.
In an effort to respect Neill’s preference for privacy, his family will hold a quiet memorial at his New Zealand farm at a later date. The actor had publicly shared his battle with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma in 2023 and announced his cancer-free status in April this year after undergoing CAR-T therapy.
Following Neill’s passing, tributes poured in from his colleagues in the film industry, praising his kind and inquisitive nature. Director Taika Waititi, who collaborated with Neill on “Hunt for the Wilderpeople,” expressed his love and sorrow over the loss on social media.
Renowned director Steven Spielberg, who directed Neill in “Jurassic Park,” paid homage to their shared experiences on the film set, emphasizing the enduring bond within the “Jurassic” family and the actor’s everlasting impact on fans worldwide.
Apart from his acting career, Neill was also recognized for his winemaking endeavors under the Two Paddocks label, producing wines in New Zealand’s Central Otago region. His legacy extends to his four children and eight grandchildren.
Neill’s contributions to the film industry and his commitment to community projects have left a lasting impression, with local news outlets in New Zealand honoring him as a modest and compassionate individual.