Sam Neill: Farewell to the Star Who Made Us Love Dinosaurs—and So Much More

Sam Neill, the versatile New Zealand actor whose career spanned Oscar-winning films and blockbusters such as *Jurassic Park*, has died at the age of 78.

The actor’s death was announced early this morning in a statement posted on his Instagram account. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but Neill had just revealed that he was cancer-free after being diagnosed in 2022 with stage III T-cell angioimmunoblastic lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.

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“It is with immense sadness that Sam Neill’s whānau shares the news of his passing on Monday, July 13, in Sydney, Australia. Sam was surrounded by his family and passed away with the dignity that characterized his entire life,” the official message reads.

“The loss was sudden and unexpected, but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free. They wish to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St. Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care. Further details will be shared in due course, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that their privacy be respected as they cope with this immeasurable loss,” his family requested.

Neill’s colleagues, friends, and fans paid tribute to him on Monday as news of his passing spread. Goodbye, Sam—we will never forget you.