Kiwi screen legend Sir Sam Neill has died, aged 78.
News of the Jurassic Park star’s death was confirmed today on social media.
“It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia,” the post read.
“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.”
In March 2023, Sir Sam revealed he had been undergoing chemotherapy for a year, having been diagnosed with stage three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. At the time, he said the cancer was in remission but he required monthly chemotherapy.
Sir Nigel John Dermot Neill was born in Northern Ireland to an English mother and Kiwi father in 1947. His family moved to Christchurch in 1954.
He started calling himself “Sam” while at school, because of the number of other Nigels.
“I encouraged the nickname because I thought I’d be slightly less likely to be victimised during the tender years,” he said about his stage name. “Nigel was a little effete for the rigours of a New Zealand playground.”
Sir Sam began acting while studying at Canterbury University, performing in various stage productions in Christchurch and then Wellington after moving to Victoria University.
His first film role was in 1971’s The City of No. Six years later, in 1977, Neill starred in Roger Donaldson’s Sleeping Dogs – his breakout role.
He then moved to Australia, where he played Harry Beecham opposite Judy Davis in 1979’s My Brilliant Career, which became a global success.
In 2023, his memoir, Did I Ever Tell You this? was published with anecdotes from his acting career and his health struggles.
Sir Sam is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren.
