Actor Sam Neill died at the age of 78 from pneumonia, according to his manager, Philip Grenz.The confirmation came shortly after the actor's family announced that he had died unexpectedly in Sydney, Australia, on Monday.At the time of the initial announcement, no cause of death had been disclosed.

Grenz also stated that Neill had successfully overcome his previous battle with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma after undergoing CAR-T therapy and had remained cancer-free until his death.The actor had continued working actively, completing four projects over the past year, several of which are expected to be released posthumously.Following the news of his passing, tributes poured in from colleagues and friends across the film industry.

Jurassic Park director Steven Spielberg described Neill as a cherished member of the franchise's 'Jurassic family', while actor Richard E.Grant praised his kindness, generosity and support during difficult periods in his own life.Sharon Lawrence and many others also paid tribute to Neill's talent and lasting contribution to cinema.

Throughout a career spanning several decades, Neill became internationally recognised for a wide range of performances, including roles in My Brilliant Career, Dead Calm, The Piano, Event Horizon, Merlin, The Tudors and the Jurassic Park series, in which he portrayed palaeontologist Dr Alan Grant.He also received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for several television productions.

His family said he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones and remembered him for the dignity and warmth that characterised both his personal life and distinguished acting career.