Sam Neill, 78, dies from pneumonia

Actor Sam Neill, celebrated for iconic roles in Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders, passed away on Monday in a Sydney hospital, confirming his death from pneumonia.

The 78‑year‑old actor’s family described his death earlier this week as sudden and unexpected, with his longtime agent Philip Grenz issuing a statement to set the record straight. He confirmed that Neill had been cancer‑free after a CAR‑T therapy victory over non‑Hodgkin lymphoma announced in April.

Before his demise, Neill had filmed four projects back‑to‑back, all slated for release in the coming months. He also had 150+ screen credits spanning film, television, and stage.

Tributes poured in from peers and public figures, with Peaky Blinders co‑star Laura Dern calling him a beloved lifetime friend, and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon labeling him “one of the greats.”}