New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for iconic Jurassic Park role, dies at 78

The New Zealand actor died suddenly in Sydney after recovering from stage-three blood cancer, his family said.

Sam Neill arrives for a gala presentation of Blackbird at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada September 6, 2019. | Mario Anzuoni / REUTERS

WELLINGTON: New Zealand actor Sam Neill died suddenly on Monday aged 78 after recovering from cancer, his family said in a statement on Monday.

“The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free,” a statement posted on Neill’s Instagram page said.

Neill died in Sydney, with the family paying tribute to a private hospital in the city for their care.

The Jurassic Park actor announced in April he was cancer-free after undergoing treatment for stage-three blood cancer.

“Wry and dry, thoughtful and laconic, Sam fought illness with the same dignity, humour and conviction that gave strength to his every performance,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a social media post.

“He will be much mourned and long remembered. May he rest in peace.”

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