According to a statement from the family, the actor's death was unexpected. The cause of death has not been disclosed. In 2023, Neill was diagnosed with cancer, but later doctors reported that he was in remission. "Sam passed away surrounded by family and with the dignity that accompanied him throughout his life," the published statement said. His loved ones requested respect for their privacy as they cope with this irreplaceable loss. New Zealand journalist Kate Roger, who knew the actor for many years, shared that he continued to work actively until the end. > "He was happy. Most likely, just yesterday or the day before, he was on the set of a film or working on a new television series," she said. ### Star of 'Jurassic Park' Sam Neill gained worldwide fame for his role as paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant in the 1993 film 'Jurassic Park.' In the story, his character travels to an island off the coast of Costa Rica, where a park with cloned dinosaurs has been created. The actor later reprised this role in the films 'Jurassic Park III' (2001) and 'Jurassic World: Dominion' (2022). In the same year of 1993, Neill starred in the acclaimed drama 'The Piano' directed by Jane Campion. The film, set in New Zealand, won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The actor played a stern husband who unsuccessfully tries to win the love of his wife in a marriage of convenience. In addition to film, Sam Neill worked extensively in television. In the early 1980s, he played the lead role in the series 'Reilly: Ace of Spies,' and later portrayed Major Chester Campbell in the first two seasons of 'Peaky Blinders.' His character was a relentless investigator who became one of Thomas Shelby's main adversaries. International success came to the actor back in 1979 after the release of the film 'My Brilliant Career.' Throughout his career, he was nominated for an Emmy Award twice: in 1998 for his lead role in the miniseries 'Merlin,' and in 2017 as the narrator of the documentary 'Wild New Zealand.' ### "He Will Be Remembered for a Long Time" According to Kate Roger, Neill always enjoyed leaving the hustle and bustle of Hollywood to return to the peaceful life in New Zealand. There, he had a vineyard and a farm, and he named the animals after his colleagues. For example, the cows were named Helena Bonham Carter and Laura Dern, the pig was named Amy Adams, the ram was Jeff Goldblum, and the chicken was Kate Winslet. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, where the actor also frequently lived and worked, was among the first to express condolences. > "He was ironic and reserved, thoughtful and unflappable. In every role, he demonstrated dignity, humor, and incredible persuasiveness. He will be remembered for a long time," the head of government stated. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon noted that Sam Neill played an important role in the development of the national film industry. > "He helped turn New Zealand cinema into one of our country's main cultural export products," Luxon emphasized.