‘Jurassic Park’ Star Sam Neill Dies at 78

For decades, Sam Neill captivated audiences with unforgettable performances in films such as “Jurassic Park,” “The Piano,” “The Hunt for Red October,” and “Event Horizon,” cementing his place as one of cinema's most versatile and beloved actors.

Rabat – Sam Neill, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated actors, died in Sydney, Australia, on July 13.

His family described his passing as “sudden and unexpected” but did not disclose the cause of death.

With a career spanning more than five decades across film, television, and theater, Neill earned international recognition for his versatility, becoming a respected figure in Hollywood while remaining one of New Zealand’s most prominent cultural icons.

Later, his agent, Philip Grenz, confirmed that Neill died from pneumonia following a years-long battle with cancer.

The actor had been diagnosed in 2022 with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of blood cancer, and had spoken publicly about his treatment and living with the disease in recent years.

In April 2026, the actor announced that he was cancer-free following a successful clinical trial involving CAR-T therapy.

The intensive nature of his previous treatments likely left his immune system compromised, increasing his vulnerability to severe infections like the pneumonia that caused his death.

He thanked those who respected Neill’s privacy during such a difficult time and suggested that fans wishing to pay their respects could donate to environmental or wildlife charities in New Zealand, a cause Neill felt strongly about.