Sam Neill’s cause of death revealed after family confirms actor was cancer-free
Vale Sam Neill.
NEED TO KNOW
- Sam Neill passed away on Monday 13th of July.
- His family confirmed that his passing was the result of pneumonia.
- The actor had been battling cancer for the last five years, but announced he was cancer-free in April 2026.
Sam Neill‘s cause of death has been revealed.
In a statement to PEOPLE and USA Today, long-time representative for the award-winning actor, Phillip Grenz, confirmed that he passed as a result of pneumonia.
“Prior to becoming sick, Sam had valiantly fought and beaten lymphoma through a new treatment called CAR-T therapy,” Grenz said, per PEOPLE.
“I’d like to thank those who were truly close to Sam for considering his privacy with the respect he earned and his loved ones need and deserve during this immeasurably difficult time.”
According to his camp, Neill had been filming four projects over the last 12 months whilst simultaneously running his winery, Two Paddocks.
Referring to Neill as “an intensely private man who loathed a fuss” the family will hold a private memorial at his farm in New Zealand in the weeks to come.
Grenz also encouraged those who wish to share their respects to the actor to donate to some of his favourite causes in lieu of flowers. These causes include The Dunstan Hospital Foundation, The Snowdome Foundation, the NZ Nature Fund and Sustainable Tarras.
The update comes following the 78-year-old’s passing on Monday July 13.
The sad news was confirmed by his family on Monday afternoon in a statement on the New Zealand actor’s Instagram account.
“It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July in Sydney, Australia,” the statement began.
“Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life.”
The family shared that his passing was “sudden and unexpected”, however they took solace in the fact that “Sam remained cancer free” at the time of his death.
“They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care,” the statement continued.
“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.”
The Twelve actor revealed that he was suffering from a rare blood cancer called angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma in his memoir in March 2023. While he initially struggled to find a treatment that worked, he started a highly-personalised immunotherapy treatment called Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell [CAR T-cell] therapy.
In April this year, Sam shared with 7 News that he was officially cancer free after a five-year battle with the stage-three cancer. He shared his good news in the hope that one day these treatments will be available to anyone who needs them.
Sam Neill will be remembered for his spectacular contribution to film and television, across Australian and international titles. Some of his most memorable roles include Harry Beecham in My Brilliant Career, Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park and Brett Colby SC in The Twelve.
Sam has won three TV WEEK Silver Logies throughout his career, and is currently nominated for the 2026 TV WEEK Silver Logie for Best Lead Actor in a Drama.
Sam is survived by his four children.
