Sydney: Renowned New Zealand actor Sir Sam Neill, celebrated for his unforgettable performances in Jurassic Park, The Piano and more than 150 film and television productions, has died at the age of 78.

His family announced that Neill passed away peacefully on Monday in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by loved ones. While no official cause of death was disclosed, the actor had previously revealed he had been diagnosed with stage three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of blood cancer, in 2022. He had recently shared that his cancer was in remission.

A career spanning more than five decades

Born Nigel John Dermot Neill in Northern Ireland in 1947, he moved to New Zealand with his family as a child and later adopted the name “Sam”.

Neill’s acting career began in New Zealand theatre before he gained international recognition with Sleeping Dogs (1977) and My Brilliant Career (1979). He went on to star in acclaimed films including The Hunt for Red October, Dead Calm, The Piano, Event Horizon, The Dish, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and the globally successful Jurassic Park franchise.

His portrayal of Dr Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 blockbuster made him one of Hollywood’s most recognisable actors.

Tributes pour in

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described Neill as one of the country’s greatest actors, crediting him with helping take New Zealand stories to global audiences.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute, praising Neill’s dignity, humour and remarkable contribution to Australian and international cinema.

Over his distinguished career, Neill received numerous honours, including an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and later a knighthood in New Zealand in recognition of his services to acting.

Remembered beyond the screen

Away from acting, Neill was known for his vineyard, Two Paddocks, in New Zealand’s Central Otago region, where he enjoyed farming, winemaking and spending time with family.

He is survived by his four children and six grandchildren.

Sam Neill’s performances, warmth and wit earned him admiration across generations, ensuring his legacy will continue to inspire audiences around the world