Sam Neill Dead at 78: Agent Confirms Pneumonia

New Zealand actor Sam Neill passed away Monday at a hospital in Sydney after complications from pneumonia, his agent confirmed.

The veteran actor’s family described the death as “sudden and unexpected.”

Philip Grenz, Neill’s long‑time agent, issued a statement Thursday, stating that the 78‑year‑old died of pneumonia and that he had been “remitted” from non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma after a CAR‑T therapy.

Nelson had filmed four projects in the past year, all slated for release in the coming months. The actor was known for his private nature and remained in good health after cancer treatment.

Tributes poured in from co‑stars like Laura Dern, Toni Collette and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who called him “one of the greats.”

His filmography includes *Jurassic Park*, *The Piano*, *The Hunt for Red October*, *Dead Calm*, and the BBC series *Peaky Blinders*. Post‑humous releases are expected in *Godzilla x Kong: Supernova* and *The Last Resort* (both 2027).

The actor’s memoir, *Did I Ever Tell You This?* (2023), detailed his cancer journey and outlook on life. He expressed a desire to keep living and to see his work continue to inspire.
This is the story as confirmed by his agent and family; further updates will be added as they become available.

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