Jurassic Park star Sam Neill wanted to return to acting just months before his death
Jurassic Park star Sam Neill wanted to return to acting just months before his death
Scarlett O'Toole Mon, July 13, 2026 at 6:54 AM UTC
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Sam Neill has died aged 78 (Image: Getty)
Jurassic Park star Sam Neill admitted he wanted to return to acting just three months before his death.
The actor died at the age of 78, with the news being announced in a statement shared on his Instagram page. Sam's cause of death is yet to be revealed, but the statement said he "remained cancer free," having endured a five-year battle with stage-three blood cancer.
Sam announced in April he was cancer-free after undergoing a new treatment when his chemotherapy stopped working. The Instagram post stated, "It is with immense sadness that the whnau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia.
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"Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life. The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free. They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent's Private Hospital for their incredible care."
The post concluded, "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's death was announced on Instagram (Image: Getty)
In April, Sam admitted he wanted to return to his career after taking a step back due to his illness. Speaking to Australian network 7 News, he said, "It's time I did another movie."
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Sam also opened up about his battle with cancer after his chemotherapy treatment stopped working. He said he was given a cutting-edge treatment called CAR T-cell therapy, which genetically modifies blood cells, and this ended up saving his life.
"I've been living with a particular type of lymphoma for about five years and I was on chemotherapy and the pretty miserable business, but it was keeping me alive," he shared.
The Hollywood star added, "Then the chemo stopped working. I was at a loss and it looked like I was on the way out, which wasn't ideal obviously."
"I've just had a scan just now, and there is no cancer in my body, that's an extraordinary thing. I'm very, very excited that this can happen," Sam said.
Fans have paid tribute to Sam following the announcement of his death. One person commented on Instagram, "Such a good human, I shall put my dinosaurs out for him and open a nice wine. Thanks for being you Sam."
Another said, "This is devastating. I really wish this was not true. Love to family," while a third social media user commented, "God this stopped me in my tracks. What a loss....i hope he is at peace, and somehow knows how much he was loved and will be missed."
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
