Actor Sam Neill Dies at 78 – Confirmed Pneumonia After Cancer Treatment

New Zealand star Sam Neill, 78, has passed away from pneumonia at a Sydney hospital after years of treatment for non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma, his agent confirmed.

Known worldwide for his roles in Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders, Neill’s death has shocked fans and colleagues alike. Despite fighting cancer aggressively, his family reported that he was cancer‑free at the time of his passing.

Agent Philip Grenz clarified the cause of death in a statement, citing that his client had “valiantly fought and beaten lymphoma through CAR‑T therapy.” The actor had recently filmed four projects, all slated for release soon after his death.

Tributes poured in from former co‑stars, including Laura Dern, who called him a lifelong friend, and Australian actress Toni Collette, who praised him as a hero, legend and sweetheart. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also lauded his “greatness.”

Over a five‑decade career, Neill appeared in more than 150 credits, from The Piano and Dead Calm to The Fox (2025) and Netflix’s Untamed (2025). He will also appear in upcoming titles Godzilla × Kong: Supernova and The Last Resort in 2027.

In his 2023 memoir Did I Ever Tell You This?, Neill discussed his cancer diagnosis and treatment, stating “I’m not afraid of dying, but I don’t want to stop living.” He described life as a dark adventure, but still an adventure.

Neill leaves behind four children and eight grandchildren, and family plans to honour him privately on his farm in New Zealand at a later date.