Acclaimed actor and winemaker Sir Sam Neill has died at the age of 78 after contracting pneumonia, his longtime agent has confirmed.
Neill died on Monday, with his family describing his passing as sudden and unexpected in an Instagram post announcing his death.
His agent of 19 years, Philip Grenz, said the actor had died from pneumonia and that his family would honour his wishes with a private memorial service, as reported by Stuff.
“As Sam Neill’s longtime rep, I spoke with his family and wish to clarify some details for his fans,” Grenz said in a statement.
“As Sam was an intensely private man who loathed a fuss, his family will honour him with a private family memorial at his farm in New Zealand at a still-undetermined later date,” Stuff has quoted.
Earlier this year, Neill revealed he was cancer-free after living with stage-three blood cancer for nearly five years.
Grenz said the actor had recently overcome lymphoma through CAR-T therapy before falling ill with pneumonia.
“Prior to becoming sick [with pneumonia], Sam had valiantly fought and beaten lymphoma through a new treatment called CAR-T therapy,” Grenz told RNZ.
Despite his health challenges, Neill remained professionally active, completing several film projects while continuing to oversee his award-winning winery, Two Paddocks.
“In addition to running his award-winning winery, Two Paddocks, Sam had filmed four projects back-to-back during the past year, all of which will be released within the coming months,” the short statement said, as quoted by Stuff.
Among those projects are The Last Resort and Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, both scheduled for release in March 2027.
Paying tribute on Instagram, Grenz described Neill as both a close friend and an extraordinary person.
“He will be missed by film lovers, wine lovers, and anyone lucky enough to have met him. I am heartbroken by the loss but grateful for the 19-year journey, Stuff has quoted.
“Thank you for everything, Mr Neill.”
Neill was celebrated internationally for his performances in films including Jurassic Park, while also becoming a beloved figure in New Zealand cinema through roles in The Piano and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, as reported by Stuff.
His Hunt for the Wilderpeople co-star Julian Dennison also paid tribute, remembering Neill's kindness and mentorship.
“My heart hurts. I was young when we shot Wilderpeople. But I still hold onto a lifetime of memories, Stuff has quoted.
“Sam showed me what it was like to live a life in service to the things and people he loved. Sad knowing the world won’t have him anymore.
“Thank you for being the skuxxest, most loving, caring real fake uncle!! Rest in love,” Stuff has quoted.