Sam Neill, known for 'Jurassic Park' and 'The Piano,' dies at 78, his family says
Acclaimed actor Sam Neill, known for his roles in 'Jurassic Park' and 'The Piano', has passed away at age 78. The New Zealand-born actor had previously disclosed a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma but was reported to be cancer-free at the time of his sudden death.
Why it matters
Neill was a significant figure in international cinema, representing the rise of Australian and New Zealand talent in global blockbuster and art-house films.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Sam Neill, a smoothly elegant and versatile actor whose career moved from art film to blockbuster as he dodged velociraptors in "Jurassic Park" to playing Holly Hunter's husband in "The Piano," has died. He was 78.
In 2023, Neill disclosed he had been diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Neill died on Monday in Sydney, according to a statement posted to the actor's social media page.
His death was "sudden and unexpected," the statement said, adding that he "remained cancer free" when he died. A cause of death wasn't specified.
"Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life," his family wrote.
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