Sam Neill (1947-2026) apparently suffered from pneumonia before his death. This was reported by his friend and former film partner Rima Te Wiata (63) in the interview format "Ryan Bridge Today", as reported by the "New Zealand Herald". The New Zealand actor died on July 13 at the age of 78 in a hospital in Sydney.

The family members described the actor's death in a statement as sudden and unexpected. At the same time, they emphasized that Neill had recently been free of cancer. Only in April had the actor publicly announced that he was considered cured after treatment for a rare form of blood cancer that had accompanied him for several years.

Family thanks the hospital

In their statement, the family thanked the staff at St Vincent's Private Hospital for their care. Further details are to be released at a later date. Until then, they asked for privacy to be respected while they process the loss.

Te Wiata had taken on the role of Bella alongside Neill's character Hector in the New Zealand film comedy "Wo die wilden Menschen jagen" (original title: "Hunt for the Wilderpeople"). She described the late colleague as a person in whose presence one felt safe and comfortable. "He was a very calm, peaceful, and grounded man", she said.

Neill lived in the Central Otago region and operated the Two Paddocks winery there. He became known worldwide as paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg's box office success "Jurassic Park", which came to theaters in 1993.
In 2025, Neill received the New Zealand Screen Legend Award at the New Zealand Screen Awards. The honor recognized his work in film and television, which spanned five decades. Neill leaves behind four children and eight grandchildren.

Companions say goodbye

After his death became known, numerous companions spoke out. Among them were his "Jurassic Park" colleague Laura Dern and director Steven Spielberg, as well as Nicole Kidman and Cillian Murphy.

Dern, who had been seen as Dr. Ellie Sattler at Neill's side since the first "Jurassic Park" film in 1993, called him her beloved friend for life. From him, she said she learned what loyalty and love meant. "He was a true and noble gentleman", she wrote. She directed her last words to his most famous role: "I will love you forever, Dr. Alan Grant."

Director Steven Spielberg recalled their time together on set and that Neill had been a loving father. Together with Dern and Jeff Goldblum, they will always remain a "Jurassic family".