Sam Neill, the acclaimed actor best known for his iconic role in "Jurassic Park," has died at 78. His representative confirmed that the cause of death was pneumonia, bringing clarity after several inaccurate reports circulated earlier in the week, as reported by Fox News.

According to his agent, Philip Grenz, Neill had overcome lymphoma and was cancer-free at the time of his passing.

Grenz explained that Neill had recovered from the illness through CAR-T therapy, a breakthrough treatment that had given him renewed health before he became ill with pneumonia.

“Sam passed away from pneumonia,” Grenz told Page Six.

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“Prior to becoming sick, Sam had valiantly fought and beaten lymphoma through a new treatment called CAR-T therapy.”

Grenz said the clarification came at the request of Neill’s family, who wanted the public to understand the circumstances surrounding his death.

They also requested privacy as they plan a small family memorial at Neill’s farm in New Zealand.

Neill’s family shared a heartfelt message announcing his death earlier in the week. “Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterized his whole life,” their statement read.

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“The loss was sudden and unexpected, but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free.”

Neill had been open about his lymphoma diagnosis since revealing it in 2023. He was diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

In April, he shared his relief and joy after a scan confirmed that there was “no cancer in my body.”

The news of his death quickly prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from friends, co-stars, and fans around the world.

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Many remembered his humor, kindness, and unassuming nature that shone both on and off screen.

Rima Te Wiata, who co-starred with Neill in the 2016 film "Hunt for the Wilderpeople," described him to The New Zealand Herald as “a very steady, peaceful, grounded man.”

Reflecting on his passing, she said, “It really sucks, actually. I think he would be like: ‘For goodness sake, I got over my cancer. And now look, now I get pneumonia. What next?’”

Hollywood figures also remembered Neill for his professionalism and warmth. Steven Spielberg, who directed him in "Jurassic Park," expressed deep affection for the actor and said his presence would always be cherished.

“I adored making all the Jurassic movies with him,” Spielberg 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.”

Laura Dern called Neill “my beloved lifetime friend,” while Jeff Goldblum offered a touching farewell, writing, “The next great adventure begins. Love, always and forever.”

Born Nigel John Dermot Neill in Northern Ireland in 1947, he moved to New Zealand with his family as a child.

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His distinctive presence and talent made him one of the nation’s most internationally recognized actors over a career spanning more than 50 years.

Neill’s body of work included over 150 films and television productions, from thrillers like “Sleeping Dogs” and “The Hunt for Red October” to acclaimed dramas such as “The Piano” and “The Horse Whisperer.”

He also appeared in “Event Horizon,” “Peaky Blinders,” “The Tudors,” and “Merlin.”

He returned to one of his best-known roles as Dr. Alan Grant in “Jurassic Park III” and again in “Jurassic World Dominion,” reuniting with his original co-stars.

His contributions across film and television cemented his place as a respected and beloved performer.

Away from acting, Neill enjoyed managing his vineyard, Two Paddocks, in New Zealand’s Central Otago region, where he produced small batches of pinot noir and riesling wine.

He was known to find solace and joy in the simplicity of farm life.

Neill is survived by four children and eight grandchildren, who will celebrate his life privately in the coming weeks.

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His passing marks the end of a luminous career defined by integrity, humor, and quiet grace.

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