‘Jurassic Park’ Actor Sam Neill Died From Pneumonia, Agent Says

The cause of death of acclaimed New Zealand actor Sam Neill has been confirmed as pneumonia, according to his longtime agent, who released the information following consultation with the actor’s family in an effort to address widespread speculation and misinformation circulating after his passing.

Neill, best known worldwide for portraying Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, died in Sydney, Australia, on July 13 at the age of 78. His family previously announced that his death had been “sudden and unexpected” and said he was surrounded by loved ones during his final moments.

His longtime representative, Philip Grenz, said the family agreed to disclose the cause of death after inaccurate reports began circulating online. Grenz confirmed that Neill died from pneumonia, adding that the actor had previously overcome angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of blood cancer, after undergoing an innovative CAR-T cell therapy treatment. At the time of his death, Neill was considered cancer-free.

Despite his earlier cancer diagnosis, Neill remained remarkably active in the final years of his life. According to his agent, he completed four film projects over the past year, all of which are expected to be released posthumously. Friends and colleagues frequently remarked on his determination to continue acting and working on his New Zealand vineyard despite health challenges.

News of his death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the global film industry. Director Steven Spielberg, who directed Jurassic Park, joined fellow actors and filmmakers in remembering Neill as a gifted performer, generous collaborator and deeply respected friend. Messages also came from stars including Nicole Kidman, Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern, and Taika Waititi, celebrating both his talent and kindness.

Over a career spanning more than five decades, Neill appeared in more than 150 film and television productions. In addition to Jurassic Park, he earned critical acclaim for performances in The Piano, Dead Calm, The Hunt for Red October, and the television series Peaky Blinders. His versatility made him one of New Zealand’s most celebrated actors on the international stage.

Neill was also known for his life away from Hollywood. He spent much of his time at his Two Paddocks vineyard in New Zealand’s Central Otago region, where he developed a respected wine business and frequently shared glimpses of rural life with fans. Those close to him described him as humble, humorous and devoted to family and community.

His family said they plan to hold a private memorial service at his New Zealand farm in accordance with his wishes, asking the public to respect their privacy as they mourn. Instead of a large public ceremony, the family intends to celebrate Neill’s life in an intimate gathering with relatives and close friends.

Although his passing marks the end of an extraordinary acting career, Neill’s legacy will continue through his extensive body of work and the upcoming projects he completed before his death. For generations of moviegoers, his performances from battling dinosaurs on screen to starring in award-winning dramas, have secured his place as one of cinema’s most enduring and beloved actors.