Sam Neill died at 78 in Sydney from pneumonia, his agent Philip Grenz confirmed Thursday. The New Zealand actor, best known for Jurassic Park, had recently beaten stage three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma through CAR-T therapy.

Grenz clarified the cause after "inaccuracies" in media reports, noting Neill remained professionally active, filming four projects and running his winery Two Paddocks. The family plans a private memorial at his New Zealand farm.

Tributes poured in from Steven Spielberg, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, and Nicole Kidman. Neill's diverse career spanned The Piano, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Peaky Blinders, and The Tudors, with posthumous releases expected in 2027.

The family requested donations to the Dunstan Hospital Foundation, Snowdome Foundation, and environmental charities in lieu of flowers. Neill had disclosed his cancer battle in his memoir and credited CAR-T therapy for his remission.