Veteran actor Sam Neill, the acclaimed New Zealand star best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, died from pneumonia at the age of 78, his longtime agent has confirmed.
The announcement has brought clarity following widespread speculation about the cause of his death and prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues around the world.
Neill died on July 13 in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by members of his family. His relatives had earlier announced his passing, describing it as sudden and unexpected while noting that the actor had remained cancer-free at the time of his death.
They initially chose not to disclose the exact cause, asking the public to respect their privacy as they mourned their loss.
In a statement issued after speaking with Neill's family, his longtime representative, Philip Grenz, confirmed that the actor died from pneumonia.
Grenz said he wanted to correct misinformation that had circulated in the aftermath of Neill's death, emphasizing that the beloved actor had successfully overcome angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, through CAR-T cell therapy before he fell ill.
Neill had publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis in 2023 through his memoir, where he candidly discussed his health battle and the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Despite the diagnosis, he continued working and later announced that he was cancer-free after responding well to treatment. His determination to continue acting while undergoing therapy inspired many admirers and fellow performers.
Even during the final year of his life, Neill remained remarkably active. According to his agent, he completed work on four film and television projects that are expected to be released in the coming months.
Away from the camera, he also devoted time to managing his award-winning vineyard, Two Paddocks, in New Zealand's Central Otago region, a venture he often described as one of his greatest passions outside acting.
Born in Northern Ireland in 1947, Neill moved to New Zealand as a child and went on to become one of the country's most celebrated actors.
His breakthrough in international cinema came with the 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park, directed by Steven Spielberg, where his performance as paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant earned him worldwide recognition. He later reprised the role in several sequels, becoming one of the franchise's most beloved figures.
Throughout a career spanning more than five decades, Neill built an impressive body of work across film and television. His notable performances included roles in The Piano, Dead Calm, The Hunt for Red October, The Dish, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and the television drama Peaky Blinders.
Known for his versatility, warmth, and understated screen presence, he earned widespread respect within the entertainment industry.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from filmmakers, actors, and fans around the world. Friends and collaborators remembered him as a generous mentor, a consummate professional, and a deeply kind individual whose humility matched his immense talent.
Director Steven Spielberg and fellow Jurassic Park stars were among those who honored his legacy and celebrated the lasting impact he made on cinema.
Neill's family has announced that a private memorial service will be held at his New Zealand farm in keeping with his wish for a quiet farewell.
They have asked fans to celebrate his life through the work he loved and to respect the family's privacy during this difficult period. He is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire audiences for generations to come.