Sam Neill has died at the age of 78 just months after he revealed he was ‘cancer-free’ following a long battle with a type of blood cancer.
The New Zealand actor – who starred in blockbusters such as Jurassic Park and The Piano – was taken to hospital in Sydney on Monday.
Family described his passing as ‘sudden and unexpected’ in a statement published to his Instagram page.
‘It is with immense sadness that the whānau (family) of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia. Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life,’ they said.
‘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.
‘More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss.’
