Sam Neill, the beloved actor known for his iconic roles in films like Jurassic Park and The Piano has passed away. His agent, Philip Grenz, confirmed that Neill succumbed to pneumonia on Monday in Sydney. Prior to his illness, Neill had bravely battled and overcome lymphoma through innovative CAR-T therapy.

Neill’s family announced his passing earlier this week, and his agent provided additional details to clarify inaccuracies in the media. Neill had recently completed filming four projects, which are set to be released in the coming months. His family plans to honor him with a private memorial at his farm in New Zealand, though the date has not yet been determined.

Sam Neill’s Journey with Cancer

In 2026, Neill publicly disclosed his diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. By April of this year, he had announced that he was cancer-free, thanks to the groundbreaking CAR-T therapy. This form of immunotherapy uses an individual’s T cells to fight cancer and has shown promising results for various types of blood cancer.

Neill’s resilience and determination were evident in his ability to continue working despite his health challenges. He filmed four projects back-to-back in the past year, showcasing his unwavering dedication to his craft. His agent emphasized that Neill was an intensely private individual who preferred to keep his personal life out of the spotlight.

Tributes from Colleagues and Fans

The film industry has been outpouring with tributes to Neill, remembering him as a kind, witty, and curious individual. Director Taika Waititi, who worked with Neill on the 2016 film Hunt for the Wilderpeople shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. ‘You are so loved and will be sorely missed by us all,’ Waititi wrote, signing off with ‘Love you and see you soon, sweet Nigel,’ referring to Neill’s birth name.

Steven Spielberg, who directed Neill in the first Jurassic Park movie, also paid tribute to the actor. ‘Sam was exceptionally collaborative,’ Spielberg said. ‘I adored making all the Jurassic movies with him. Along with Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum, we will always have our Jurassic family and Sam will never be forgotten by us or his many millions of fans around the world.’

Neill’s Contributions Beyond Acting

Beyond his acting career, Neill was also a passionate vintner. Under his Two Paddocks brand, he produced high-quality pinot noir and riesling wines from his winery in the Central Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island. Neill was known for his unassuming nature and his commitment to community projects near his home.

Neill is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren. His legacy extends beyond his film roles and winemaking ventures, encompassing his contributions to the community and his impact on the lives of those who knew him. As the world remembers Sam Neill, his influence on film and his quiet contributions to New Zealand will continue to be celebrated.