Actor Sam Neill has passed away due to pneumonia, as confirmed by his agent in a statement to The Associated Press. Neill, renowned for his roles in movies like “Jurassic Park” and “The Piano,” died at the age of 78 in Sydney. His agent clarified that Neill had successfully battled lymphoma with CAR-T therapy before succumbing to pneumonia.
Despite being a private individual, Neill’s family plans to hold a private memorial in his honor at his farm in New Zealand. The actor had been actively working on four consecutive projects over the past year, set for release in the upcoming months.
In a recent disclosure, Neill revealed his battle with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma in 2023 and announced his cancer-free status in April of the current year. CAR-T therapy, a specialized form of immunotherapy, was instrumental in his successful fight against lymphoma.
Following Neill’s demise, tributes poured in from colleagues in the film industry, praising him as kind, witty, and inquisitive. Director Taika Waititi, who collaborated with Neill on “Hunt for the Wilderpeople,” expressed his deep sorrow over the loss.
Renowned director Steven Spielberg, who directed Neill in the iconic “Jurassic Park” movie, highlighted Neill’s collaborative spirit and everlasting impact on the film industry. Neill, who rose to fame during the Australian film boom in the late 1970s, was also recognized for his contributions to various community projects and his winemaking endeavors under the Two Paddocks label.
Survived by four children and eight grandchildren, Neill leaves behind a legacy of exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to his craft.