Sam Neill, the New Zealand actor widely recognized for portraying paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant in the "Jurassic Park" film franchise, has died at the age of 78.
His family said Neill died in Sydney after what they described as a "sudden and unexpected" death while surrounded by family.
The family added that his passing was "blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free" after he announced in April that he was free of cancer following a public battle with blood cancer.
Neill built a career spanning more than 50 films and earned acclaim for his performances across a wide range of genres.
He is survived by two sons and two daughters.
Born Nigel John Dermot Neill in Omagh, Northern Ireland, he moved to New Zealand at the age of seven after his father returned home following military service.
He later adopted the name Sam, recalling in his memoir that it was easier to fit in at school.
Neill's breakthrough came with the 1977 New Zealand film "Sleeping Dogs", opening the way to major roles in Australia and internationally.
He became globally known through "Jurassic Park" and later returned to the franchise in subsequent films.
His film credits also included "The Hunt for Red October", "The Piano", "Evil Angels", "Event Horizon" and "Hunt for the Wilderpeople", while television audiences also knew him from "Peaky Blinders".
Although he auditioned for James Bond, he later said he was pleased not to receive the role.
His work earned three Golden Globe nominations, two Primetime Emmy nominations and several Australian television awards.
Neill accepted a knighthood in 2022, saying recognition of the arts was important after previously declining the honor.
He divided much of his later life between Australia and his vineyard in New Zealand's Central Otago, where he produced Pinot Noir under the "Two Paddocks" label.
He also became known for sharing life on his farm with fans and for publicly opposing plans for a new mine in the region.
Following news of his death, tributes came from fellow actors and political leaders, including New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who praised his lasting contribution to film and his place in both countries' cultural life.