‘Sudden and unexpected’: world mourns loved actor Sam Neill
Actor Sam Neill has died “cancer free” in Australia at age 78 after a high profile battle with the illness, his family saying he “passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life”.
Revered actor Sam Neill has died at the age of 78, his family has confirmed in a statement saying he died with “the dignity that characterised his life”.
The New Zealand actor, who also featured prominently in Australian films in a storied career that included roles in Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders, was surrounded by family when he died in Sydney on Monday.
“The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free,” according to a post on Neill’s official Instagram account.
“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.”
Neill “earned a special place in Australian hearts”, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“Wry and dry, thoughtful and laconic, Sam fought illness with the same dignity, humour and conviction that gave strength to his every performance,” Albanese posted on social media.
“He will be much mourned and long remembered. May he rest in peace.”
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Neill was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in March 2022.
In April, he announced his cancer-free status after taking part in an Australian clinical trial.
One of his close friends and frequent co-stars, actor Rebecca Gibney posted a tribute to Neill saying she was in utter shock. “Vale beautiful Sam. This is heartbreaking.”
It was in 1977 that Neill first rose to fame in film Sleeping Dogs, before going on to star in My Brilliant Career, Jurassic Park, The Piano, The Dish and Possession among other films.
He was one of a host of actors and directors ranging from Paul Hogan to Mel Gibson, Geoffrey Rush, Russell Crowe, Jane Campion, Peter Weir and Gillian Armstrong who achieved international fame after an explosion of Australian films that began in the late 1970s.
Neill was also passionate about wine and produced pinot noir and riesling from his winery in New Zealand’s South Island under the Two Paddocks brand.
On social media, he often posted images of his farm animals, many of them affectionately named after celebrities and friends, like Laura Dern the chicken, Kylie Minogue the duck and Helena Bonham Carter the cow.
His memoir Did I Ever Tell You This? came out in March 2023 and he was awarded a knighthood in recognition of his “outstanding contribution to film” — a title approved by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
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Neill told ABC’s Australian Story in October 2023 that it would be simply “irritating” if he died but it was not something that worried him.
“It’s never worried me from the beginning. But I would be annoyed. I’d be annoyed because there are things I still want to do,” he said.
“Very irritating, dying. But I’m not afraid of it.
American director Colin Trevorrow, who worked with Neill on reviving the Jurassic Park franchise, described him as a “beautiful man”.
Screen Producers Australia said his contribution for pushing Pacific stories globally was immeasurable with an indelible legacy left behind.
“Sam Neill was one of the great figures of Australian and New Zealand screen,” the body said in a statement.
“His extraordinary talent and professionalism enriched countless productions and inspired generations of filmmakers and performers.”
Comedian and cancer survivor Magda Szubanksi offered an emotional tribute to her friend.
“I really don’t have any words right now. I’m in complete shock. Last time we spoke he was going so well. My heart goes out to his family and all who love him – and there are so many of us. Vale my darling friend.”
Australian actor Rachel Griffiths starred in Australian crime thriller Bring Him to Me in 2023 alongside Neill and also directed Neill in Ride Like a Girl in 2019.
“Such a shock – loved by so many – I’ll be cracking two paddocks tonight.”
Neill is survived by four children and eight grandchildren.
– with AAP
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