Sam Neill: New Zealand actor Sam Neill died from pneumonia, agent confirms
Actor Sam Neill has died at age 78 from pneumonia, according to his agent. His family confirmed he was cancer-free at the time of his passing, following a long battle with lymphoma.
Why it matters
Marks the passing of a globally recognized cultural figure known for major film franchises.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, 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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