Actor Sir Sam Neill dead at 78
Kiwi actor Sir Sam Neill has died, his family has announced.
"It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia.
"Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life."
The statement says Neill's death was sudden and unexpected but they were "blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free".
Tributes
"Sir Sam Neill was one of the greats," Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in a post on X.
"For more than fifty years he took New Zealand stories to the world and his talents helped make our film industry into what it is today - one of our greatest cultural exports.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends tonight. Rest in Peace."
Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a post she caught up with Neill "just a few weeks ago".
"He was such a thoughtful, curious, and decent person. Someone who was principled, unafraid of speaking his mind, and willing to take up a fight when he saw injustice.
"We’ve lost another incredible kiwi, and I feel profoundly sad. All my aroha to his whanau and friends. And to you, Sam, you have our gratitude and admiration. Rest easy. Moi mai rā."
Radio personality Jason Gunn said in a comment on Instagram that Neill was "class".
"You beautiful man. I admired so much what you did on screen.
"You were a man of the people who cared deeply about our world. You were class."Fellow Kiwi actor Karl Urban said Neill was "truly brilliant".
"An inspiration for many who followed in his trailblazing footsteps. A beautiful man, a national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and the world. God speed Sam".
Magda Szubanski also posted an emotional tribute to the actor online.
"I’m just absolutely devastated. Darling Sam. I really don’t have any words right now. I’m in complete shock."
She said last time they spoke he was "going so well".
"My heart goes out to his family and all who love him - and there are so many of us."
Actor and singer Toni Collette took to Instagram with an emotional post.
"I love you, dear Sam. You hero. You legend. You sweetheart. Our great friend. You are already missed so very much. Continue in peace wherever you are."
Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand (SGCNZ) also expressed "deep sadness".
"Sir Sam Neill's contribution to the performing arts in New Zealand was immense, and we have always appreciated his support for our organisation," SGCNZ CEO Dawn Sanders said.
"He showed generations of young New Zealanders that a life on stage and screen was possible from here, and he did it with warmth, wit and a complete lack of pretension.
"Our thoughts are with his whānau and friends at this difficult time."
Department of Conservation said Neill was a "legendary Kiwi".
"Known globally for his talent on the screen, back home, he was a fierce and passionate champion for our environment.
"Sam walked the talk. He understood that our nature isn't just something to look at, it’s something we must cherish and protect."
Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said like so many New Zealanders, he grew up watching Sam Neill.
"He was a giant of the screen who took our stories to the world and yet still felt like one of us. From Sleeping Dogs and The Piano to Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Sam gave us some of our most cherished moments.
"Sam made us proud to be Kiwis and we couldn’t have been prouder of him."
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark in a social media post said Neill was a "legendary" New Zealand actor "who brought great pride to our country through many starring roles on screen and wide international recognition."
In a post on X, Winston Peters said Neill was a Kiwi icon through his work in both local and Hollywood films that entertained people around the world over decades.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also said in a post that Neill had earned a special place in Australian hearts.
"Wry and dry, thoughtful and laconic, Sam fought illness with the same dignity, humour and conviction that gave strength to his every performance. He will be much mourned and long remembered.
"May he rest in peace."
Neill is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren.
