Sir Sam Neill had pneumonia before death in Sydney, co-star says

Home / New ZealandUpdatedHerald ReportersNZ Herald·13 Jul, 2026 07:46 PM2 mins to read‌"Without that, we may not have had Jurassic Park." Rima Te Wiata on the moment which ignited Sir Sam Neill's career. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAYSir Sam Neill had pneumonia before his death, a friend and co-star says.Neill died yesterday at the age of 78 in hospital in Sydney, his family said in a statement last night.FOLLOW OUR FULL COVERAGE:Film world, friends mourn Sir Sam Neill, praised for talent, kindness and passion;Remembering Sam: Our most famous actor on home, Hollywood friends, wine, and ageing;Power-ranking Sam Neill’s best (and worst) films The beloved New Zealand actor announced he was cancer-free AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.