Tributes have poured in over the past several days as fans learned of the death of actor Sam Neill, best known for his leading role in the 1993 blockbuster “Jurassic Park.”
Just months before his death at the age of 78, he had celebrated being declared cancer-free after a lengthy battle with the illness.
In a statement this week, Neill’s agent confirmed the cause of his death, as Page Six reported:
The “Jurassic Park” star, who was 78 when he died on Sunday in Sydney, Australia, will be honored in a private family memorial on his farm in New Zealand at a “later date,” his agent Philip Grenz told Page Six.
ADVERTISEMENT“Sam passed away from pneumonia,” Grenz said. “Prior to becoming sick, Sam had valiantly fought and beaten lymphoma through a new treatment called CAR-T therapy.”
Grenz said he disclosed details about Neill’s cause of death after consulting with the actor’s family and following news reports “which contain inaccuracies and outright falsehoods.”
The update sparked a new wave of social media reactions:
So sad for his family and friends to lose him so suddenly. People don't realise that pneumonia is a very common cause of death. Such a tragedy as he was a good man from all accounts.
— Veronika Sain (@VeronikaSain) July 16, 2026
He may be your Jurassic Park Sam, but for many of us he was the Ace of Spies a decade before that role.
Reports he had Pneumonia just before his end, and guess the immune system low was part of it.
— Titch Ashen (@titchashen) July 15, 2026
A truly unforgettable talent. His performances left a lasting mark on cinema. Rest in peace, Sam Neill. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. 🕊️
— Roman khan (@Romankhan28122) July 16, 2026
ABC News added these details:
A statement earlier this week announcing his death said: “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.”
The representative said Neill, who was also known for his role on “Peaky Blinders” had filmed four projects in the past year, all of which would be released in the coming months.
ADVERTISEMENTNeill revealed he was being treated for stage 3 blood cancer while promoting his memoir, “Did I Ever Tell You This?” in March 2023.
Here’s some additional coverage:
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