Jurassic Star Sam Neill Loses Health Fight After Cancer Remission

Actor Sam Neill, acclaimed for his roles in "Jurassic Park" and numerous other films, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the age of 78. His passing followed a period of illness during which he had been "pretty sick" for the preceding fortnight. Though he had achieved remission from a rare blood cancer diagnosed in 2022, the extensive treatments had taken a significant toll on his body.

Neill had undergone intensive chemotherapy and immunotherapy over several years. While these treatments successfully cleared him of his blood cancer, they left his immune system severely compromised. Reports also indicate that he contracted pneumonia, which further weakened him. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time.

Colleagues and fans remembered Neill for his extensive and diverse career, which spanned decades and included roles in "The Piano," "The Hunt for Red October," and "Peaky Blinders." He was active in the industry up until his death and is set to appear posthumously in films scheduled for release in 2027.

Neill had publicly shared his health struggles in 2023, detailing his diagnosis with stage-three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. He later expressed that CAR T-cell therapy had made him cancer-free, a treatment he underwent after chemotherapy stopped being effective. He had signed a contract for ongoing treatment, which would be free if he remained alive after four months.