Sam Neill’s Family Confirms He Was Cancer-Free Before His Death
Sam Neill’s family put forward a statement announcing his death on July 13. The actor was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer in 2022, though he went into remission. According to his family, he was cancer-free for the final years of his life.
Sam Neill’s family says he was cancer-free at the time of his death
On July 13, Neill’s family announced that he had died suddenly. They confirmed that he did not have cancer at the time of his death, though.
“It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia,” the statement began. “Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterized his whole life. The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free.”
They noted that they would share more information later, but requested privacy at this time.
“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.”
Sam Neill opened up about his cancer diagnosis
In 2022, Neill revealed that he had a rare form of blood cancer. He went into remission in 2023.
“Hi, I’m Sam Neill, actor of sorts, vintner, and an author as it happens,” he told followers in a social media post. “And my news seems to be all over the news at the moment, and it’s sort of ‘Cancer! Cancer! Cancer! Which is slightly tiresome because as you see, I am alive and well, and I have been in remission for eight months, which feels really good. And I’m alive and kicking and I’m going to work. I’m very happy to be going back to work.”
He revealed that though he was in remission, he would likely need to undergo chemotherapy for the rest of his life.
A number of people shared tributes to the actor
After news of Neill’s death broke, many people who knew him publicly mourned the loss.
“Like everyone who knew and worked with Sam, I admired him and adored him in equal measure,” shared his Peaky Blinders co-star Cillian Murphy, per AP. “He was one of the kindest, funniest and gentlest people, and one of the finest actors … RIP.”
Steven Spielberg, who directed Neill in the Jurassic Park films, also shared a statement about him.
“I adored making all the ‘Jurassic’ movies with him,” he said. “Along with Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum, we will always have our ‘Jurassic’ family and Sam will never be forgotten by us or his many millions of fans around the world.”
His co-star and on-screen love interest, Laura Dern, also shared a statement about him.
“Sam was my beloved lifetime friend… He showed me the depths of loyalty, protectiveness and love always with the driest of wit,” Dern wrote in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. “He was a true and noble gentleman, wrapped up in my dream leading man. I will love you forever, Dr. Alan Grant.”
Richard E. Grant, Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue, and more also shared statements.
