Sam Neill battled pneumonia before death, friend reveals

Actor Sam Neill, celebrated for his iconic role in "Jurassic Park," has died suddenly at the age of 78 in Australia. His family announced his passing, describing it as unexpected.

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It's actually a disgrace (what happened).

While Neill had been undergoing treatment for lymphoma in recent years, his family confirmed he was no longer battling cancer. However, a close former co-star, Rima Te Wiata, revealed that Neill had been fighting pneumonia prior to his death. Te Wiata, who worked with Neill on "Hunt for the Wilderpeople," suggested Neill would have been frustrated by the turn of events, having overcome cancer only to face another serious illness.

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I think he would say something like, 'For God's sake, I got over my cancer. And look, now I have pneumonia. What's next?'

Hollywood luminaries have shared their grief and paid tribute to the actor. Director Steven Spielberg, who helmed "Jurassic Park," expressed his fondness for working with Neill and stated that Neill, along with co-stars Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum, would always be remembered as part of the "Jurassic family."

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I loved making all the 'Jurassic' movies with him.

Laura Dern called Neill an "authentic and noble gentleman," while Jeff Goldblum remarked that Neill's "next great adventure" was beginning. Nicole Kidman, who starred with Neill in "Dead Calm," simply stated, "Sam was one of the greats."

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Along with Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum, we will always have our 'Jurassic' family and Sam will never be forgotten by us or by his many millions of fans around the world.