Legendary actor Sam Neill, whose many credits include The Twelve, Peaky Blinders, Jurassic Park, The Dish and Evil Angels, has died.
Legendary actor Sam Neill, whose many credits include The Twelve, Peaky Blinders, Jurassic Park, The Dish and Evil Angels, has died suddenly, aged 78.
His official Instagram has posted, “It is with immense sadness that the whānau 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.
“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.”
Neill first revealed he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2023 saying, “I’m not afraid to die, but it would annoy me. Because I’d really like another decade or two, you know? We’ve built all these lovely terraces, we’ve got these olive trees and cypresses, and I want to be around to see it all mature. And I’ve got my lovely little grandchildren. I want to see them get big. But as for the dying? I couldn’t care less.”
In April 2026 he told Seven News he successfully cleared the stage-three blood cancer after undergoing a trial of CAR T-cell therapy.
Sir Nigel John Dermot “Sam” Neill was a New Zealand actor. Born in Omagh in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, Neill moved to Christchurch with his family in 1954.
Neill’s 53-year career has included leading roles in both dramas and blockbusters.
Considered an “international leading man”, he has been regarded as one of the most versatile actors of his generation. He first achieved recognition with his appearance in the 1977 film Sleeping Dogs, which he followed with leading roles in My Brilliant Career (1979), Omen III: The Final Conflict, Possession (both 1981), Evil Angels – also known as A Cry in the Dark (1988), Dead Calm (1989), The Hunt For Red October (1990), The Piano (1993) and In the Mouth of Madness (1994).
He came to international prominence as Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park (1993), a role that he reprises in Jurassic Park III (2001) and Jurassic World Dominion (2022).
His first television role was in 1979 in The Sullivans.
It would be followed by such shows as Lucinda Brayford (1980), Reilly, Ace of Spies (1983), The Simpsons (1994), Merlin (1998), Jessica (2004), The Tudors (2007), Crusoe (2008–2010), Happy Town (2010), Alcatraz (2012), Peaky Blinders (2013–2014), and Rick and Morty (2019).
In 2021, he had a one-episode role on the Apple TV+ sci-fi series Invasion followed by three seasons of The Twelve as Brett Colby SC plus miniseres Apples Never Fall and Untamed.
Still to come are The Last Resort, and Godzilla x Kong: Supernova.
He also presented and narrated several documentaries including The Pacific: In the Wake of Captain Cook with Sam Neill, Why ANZAC with Sam Neill, and Uncharted with Sam Neill.
Neill is the recipient of the AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, the Longford Lyell Award, the New Zealand Film Award and the Logie Award for Most Outstanding Actor. He also has three Golden Globe and two Primetime Emmy Award nominations. He won the Silver Logie for Most Popular Actor at the 2023 Logies.
Neill once said, “I always want to be as good in the part as I possibly can. But I make no pretensions of being the greatest actor in the world.”
Australian Story will tonight screen a 2023 episode with Sam Neill (advertised episode now screens next week).
Screen Producers Australia:
Screen Producers Australia (SPA) is deeply saddened by the passing of Sam Neill, one of the screen industry’s most respected and enduring talents.
Across a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, Sam helped bring Australian stories to audiences at home and around the world through memorable performances in films including My Brilliant Career, Evil Angels, Dead Calm, The Dish, The Piano, The Pacific: In The Wake Of Captain Cook and The Twelve, while also achieving global recognition through productions such as Jurassic Park.
SPA CEO Matthew Deaner said: “Sam Neill was one of the great figures of Australian and New Zealand screen. His extraordinary talent and professionalism enriched countless productions and inspired generations of filmmakers and performers.
“Australian producers were privileged to work alongside Sam on so many landmark productions. His contribution to Australian storytelling and to our screen culture is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire audiences and the industry for generations to come.”
SPA extends its deepest condolences to Sam’s family, friends and colleagues.
NZ Film Commission:
Kua hinga tētahi tōtara i Te Waonui-a-Tāne.
There are few people who have shaped the story of New Zealand cinema as profoundly as Sir Sam Neill.
From his breakout role in Sleeping Dogs, to the haunting beauty of The Piano, and later as the beloved Hector in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Sam helped define how New Zealand sees itself on screen.
His international career was just as extraordinary. As Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, he inspired a generation of aspiring palaeontologists and showed New Zealanders you could have a career that took you around the world while remaining strongly connected to home.
Beyond the screen, he was admired for his warmth, generosity, sharp wit and deep love for this country, its people and Pinot Noir.
Sam’s work will continue to be watched, celebrated and discovered by audiences for generations to come.
Our thoughts are with Sam’s whānau, friends, colleagues and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
Foxtel:
A statement from Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sam Neill, a true pioneer of Australian screen whose extraordinary contribution to cinema and television has left an indelible mark on our industry.
“Sam was a long-time friend of the Foxtel Group, first as a Foxtel ambassador and, more recently, leading the cast across three seasons of the Binge Original series The Twelve. His immense talent, generosity and contribution to our screens will be deeply missed by all those who had the privilege of working with him.
“Our thoughts are with Sam’s family, friends and colleagues, including the many cast and crew who worked alongside him over the years, at this very difficult time.”
Working Dog:
We are all so truly saddened our dear friend Sam Neill has passed.
With our deepest respect and utter awe for his skills, kindness, craft and humour.
We will miss you Sam so much and thank you for your years of love and friendship
A true gentleman.
Rob, Tom, Santo, Jane, Hirsh and everyone at Working Dog
This post updates.
Source: ACMI