New Zealand actor Sam Neill died on Monday in Sydney, Australia, his family said in a statement posted on social media.
"Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterized his whole life," the statement shared on Instagram read. "The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free."
The Jurassic Park actor announced in April he was cancer-free after undergoing treatment for stage-three blood cancer.
Neill's family expressed their gratitude to St Vincent's Private Hospital for their "incredible" care of the star, and asked for privacy as "they navigate this immeasurable loss."
Wry, thoughtful, long remembered
"Sam Neill starred in so many beloved Australian stories, and he earned a special place in Australian hearts," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on X/Twitter, minutes after the announcement. "Wry and dry, thoughtful and laconic, Sam fought illness with the same dignity, humor and conviction that gave strength to his every performance."
"He will be much mourned and long remembered. May he rest in peace."
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters echoed Albanese's sentiment, adding that "he was a Kiwi icon through his work in both local and Hollywood films that entertained people around the world over decades."