New Zealand actor Sam Neill died from pneumonia, agent confirms
New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for his roles in Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders, has died at age 78 from pneumonia. His agent confirmed the news, noting that Neill had previously battled lymphoma but was in remission at the time of his passing.
Why it matters
The death of a globally recognized actor marks the loss of a significant cultural figure in modern cinema and television.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Lana Lam Sydney Getty Images Neill had been treated for cancer in recent years, but was 'cancer free' at the time of his death, his family said New Zealand actor Sam Neill, who passed away on Monday at a Sydney hospital, died from pneumonia, his agent has confirmed.
Best known for his roles in Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders, the 78-year-old's family described his death earlier this week as "sudden and unexpected".
Neill's long-time agent Philip Grenz released a statement on Thursday about the cause of death after speaking to the actor's family and due to what he said were "inaccurate and outright falsehoods" in the media.
In April this year, Neill announced he was in remission after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - a type of blood cancer - years earlier. His family said he had "remained cancer free" when he died.
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