Sam Neill, star of ‘Jurassic Park,’ has died, family says

CNN - Legendary New Zealand actor Sam Neill, who starred in ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Peaky Blinders,’ died Monday in Sydney, Australia at age 78, his family said.

“It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing,” said the statement posted to the actor’s Instagram page, using the Māori word for extended family or community.

“The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free,” said the statement.

Neill had battled a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer but revealed in April he was cancer free.

“Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterized his whole life,” said the statement. “The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care.”

“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.”