Tributes have been paid to New Zealand actor Sam Neill, who died today (July 13), aged 78.
In a statement, his family said: “It is with immense sadness that the whānau [extended family] of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday, July 13, in Sydney, Australia.
“Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life.
“The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free.
“They 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.”
Neill was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2023, but in April this year announced he was cancer-free.
Neill’s film roles included My Brilliant Career, Omen III: The Final Conflict, Dead Calm, The Hunt For Red October, Hunt For The Wilderpeople, Dean Spanley, Palme d’Or winner The Piano, and as Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise.
He was also a prolific TV actor, starring in shows such as The Tudors and The Twelve.
Tributes
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on social media: “Sir Sam Neill was one of the greats. He started out when there was barely a film industry in this country to speak of.
“For more than fifty years, he took New Zealand stories to the world and his talents helped make our film industry into what it is today – one of our greatest cultural exports. His work will be watched and loved long after all of us.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese added: “Sam Neill starred in so many beloved Australian stories and he earned a special place in Australian hearts. Wry and dry, thoughtful and laconic, Sam fought illness with the same dignity, humour and conviction that gave strength to his every performance. He will be much mourned and long remembered.”
Phillip Noyce, who directed Neill in Dead Calm, told the Guardian: “Sam was perhaps the most gentlemanly actor I ever encountered. Level-headed and sincere in a show business world of crazy egos. His word was his contract.”
Fellow New Zealand actors also paid tribute. Karl Urban said on Instagram: “Sam was truly brilliant. An inspiration for many who followed in his trailblazing footsteps. A beautiful man. A national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and to the world.”
Rhys Darby added: “Rest in Peace surrounded by love from all who knew you close and afar. A truly great human, a legend and an inspiration to all, even beyond the art world. We will always love you, Sam.”
Actor Alan Cumming said: “Ahhh, Sam, what a glorious, beautiful man. You are missed. Sorry to the family for your immense loss.”
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