Legendary New Zealand actor Sam Neill, who starred in ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Peaky Blinders,’ died Monday in Sydney, Australia at age 78, his family said.
“It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing,” said the statement posted to the actor’s Instagram page, using the Māori word for extended family or community.
“The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free,” said the statement.
Neill had battled a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer but revealed in April he was cancer free.
“Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterized his whole life,” said the statement. “The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care.”
“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.”
The acclaimed actor starred in dozens of films and television series over his genre-spanning, five decade career, including the Oscar-winning film “The Piano,” but is most widely known for playing the iconic Dr. Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park.”
“It’s been a very happy, surprising life,” Neill told CNN in 2023, on the 30th anniversary of the movie’s release.
“I never expected to have a career in film at all, or even as an actor. But it kind of happened, and no one’s more surprised than me.”
Laura Dern, who starred alongside Neill in “Jurassic Park,” called the actor a “beloved lifetime friend” as well as “a true and noble gentleman, wrapped up in my dream leading man” in a statement Monday. “I will love you forever, Dr. Alan Grant,” Dern said.
