Sam Neill dies months after sharing he's cancer-free: see tributes to Peaky Blinders and Jurassic Park star

Actor Sam Neill, best known for his roles in Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders, has sadly died months after sharing that he is cancer-free. A statement shared by Neill's family explained that the actor has passed away at the age of 78 in unexpected circumstances, given the recent positive health news he had received.

"It is with immense sadness that the whānau [extended family] of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia," the statement reads. "Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life.

"The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free. They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care."

It added that further details will be shared at a later stage, but at this time the family want to focus on privately processing their grief.

Sam Neill starring in Jurassic Park as Dr Alan Grant

Neill was diagnosed with "a ferocious type of aggressive" non-Hodgkin lymphoma in March 2023, and said on Australian television in April of this year that his recent scan showed no evidence of disease following CAR-T cell therapy treatment – something he described as "an extraordinary thing".

Paying tribute to the actor, Alan Cumming (actor and host of The Traitors US) wrote, "Ahhh Sam, what a glorious beautiful man. You are missed. Sorry to the family for your immense loss."

Fellow Kiwi, Rhys Darby, an actor and comedian, also shared memories of Neill, writing, "Rest in Peace surrounded by love from all who knew you close and afar. A truly great human, a legend and an inspiration to all even beyond the art world. We will always love you Sam."

While Richard E Grant, actor, thanked Neill for supporting him during a challenging time in his personal life. "An officer and a Gentleman in the truest sense. Guided and helped me through a very difficult time in my Life."