“Jurassic Park” star Sam Neill has died unexpectedly at 78, just months after revealing he was cancer-free following treatment for stage-three blood cancer.
The New Zealand actor died Monday in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by family, according to a statement shared on his official 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,” his family said.
“The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free,” the statement continued.
Neill “passed with the dignity that has characterized his whole life,” his family added.
The beloved “Jurassic Park” actor announced in April that he was cancer-free after completing treatment for stage-three blood cancer.
“I’ve just had a scan just now and there is no cancer in my body, that’s an extraordinary thing,” Neill said at the time. “I’m very, very excited that this can happen.”
His family said additional details would be released at a later time and asked the public to respect their privacy as they “navigate this immeasurable loss.”
Neill became a household name portraying paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant in the “Jurassic Park” franchise. Throughout his decades-long career, he also starred in films including “The Hunt for Red October,” “The Piano,” “Event Horizon” and “The Portable Door.”
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