Well-loved actor Sam Neill has passed away, aged 78.
His family shared the news on the star’s Instagram page:
“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 is well known for his roles in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park (1993) and Jane Campion’s Academy Award Winning film The Piano (1993).
He received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for the NBC miniseries Merlin (1998). He also received a Golden Globe nomination for One Against the Wind (1991), and for Reilly: Ace of Spies (1983). The British Academy of Film and Television honoured Neill’s work in Reilly by naming him Best Actor. He also received an AFI Award for Best Actor for his role in Jessica (2004).
