Sam Neill's heartbreaking response after being told he had terminal cancer resurfaces following actor's death
Sam Neill previously revealed that his cancer was the reason he penned his 2023 memoir.
Earlier today (13 July), it was confirmed that the actor, known for his roles in Peaky Blinders, The Piano and Jurassic Park, had passed away 'suddenly and unexpectedly' at the age of 78, with the news being confirmed via a statement on social media.
Neill had been diagnosed with stage-three blood cancer in March 2022.
Although the actor is said to have been 'cancer free' at the time of his death, the diagnosis had inspired him to write Did I Ever Tell You This? as something to leave behind for his four children and eight grandchildren.
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Speaking about the book in a resurfaced interview from 2023, the actor told ABC that he wanted to make sure the younger members of his family were still able to get 'a sense of me' if he died suddenly.
"I thought it would be great for them to have some of my stories," he said of the memoir.
"I mightn't be here in a month or two. We'll leave something for them."
Did I Ever Tell You This? was published on 21 March 2023, a year after he was diagnosed with blood cancer, which he'd described as a 'ferocious type of aggressive' non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Neill revealed in the interview that his memoir had been written during a time when he was receiving cancer treatment, which meant he wasn't able to work as much as usual.
"I started to look at my life and realise how immensely grateful I am for so much of it," he explained to ABC, adding: "I started to think I better write some of this down because I'm not sure how long I have to live. I was running against the clock."
After initially receiving chemotherapy, the actor switched to CAR-T cell (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy, a more specialised type of immunotherapy, which meant that he was declared cancer-free in April 2026.
He was then required to undergo regular infusions of the drug indefinitely to fight off any cancer cells, noting that it would eventually stop working.
While Neill's cause of death has not been released, his family did confirm that his passing was not cancer-related, writing: "The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free."
The statement also confirmed that he'd been 'surrounded by family' at the time of his death and 'passed with dignity', something which had 'characterised his whole life'.
"More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss," the statement added.
Stars share tributes to Sam Neill
Steven Spielberg
The Jurassic Park director wrote in a social media post: “I owe a debt of gratitude to Roger Donaldson, Gilliam Armstrong, Graham Baker and Phillip Noyce for casting Sam Neill in the roles in which he was so brilliant that brought him to my attention and led to his playing Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park.
“Sam was exceptionally collaborative. It was a stretch for him to play a character who acted as though children were messy and smelly because this was the opposite of the loving father he was to his children. I adored making all the Jurassic movies with him.
“Along with Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum, we will always have our Jurassic family and Sam will never be forgotten by us or his many millions of fans around the world.”
Laura Dern
Neill’s Jurassic Park co-star, Dern, told People: “Sam was my beloved lifetime friend… He showed me the depths of loyalty, protectiveness and love always with the driest of wit.
“He was a true and noble gentleman, wrapped up in my dream leading man. I will love you forever, Dr. Alan Grant.”
Cillian Murphy
Murphy, who shared the screen with Neill on the first two seasons of Peaky Blinders, told Variety in a statement: “Like everyone who knew and worked with Sam, I admired him and adored him in equal measure. He was one of the kindest, funniest and gentlest people, and one of the finest actors…
“RIP.”
Nicole Kidman
Kidman, who starred opposite Neill in 1989’s Dead Calm, told the Sydney Morning Herald that she was ‘immensely saddened’ by the news.
The star added: “Sam was one of the greats, a joy to be around.
“We met when I was just 18 and he took me under his wing and we stayed friends for life. He was charming, kind, funny and intelligent.
“He will be greatly missed, and my heart goes out to his family.”
Colin Trevorrow
Trevorrow, the director of 2022’s Jurassic World Dominion, posted a pic of Neil as his beloved character, Dr Alan Grant.
“Sam Neill was a deeply soulful and beautiful man. He was a friend and collaborator at a challenging time, and his strength gave us all strength. I’ll remember him for his tranquility, his love of wine, and for the calm assuredness he brought to his characters. It’s not every lifetime you get to befriend a legend. Forever grateful,” he wrote.
Richard E Grant
Taking to Instagram, the actor shared a series of snaps of Neil with the caption: “Knew @samneilltheprop for 3 decades and finally worked with him on PALM BEACH in 2018. An officer and a Gentleman in the truest sense. Guided and helped me through a very difficult time in my Life. Pictured beside producer @deb_bal & @ladyheathermitchell . Sail on, kind Sir.”
Christopher Luxon
The Prime Minister of New Zealand penned a touching tribute on X, writing: “Sir Sam Neill was one of the greats.
“He started out when there was barely a film industry in this country to speak of. 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.
“His work will be watched and loved long after all of us. Our thoughts are with his family and friends tonight. Rest in Peace.”
Anthony Albanese
The Australian PM said on X: “Sam Neill starred in so many beloved Australian stories and he 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.”
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Brenna Cooper