Sam Neill, the beloved actor known for Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders, died aged 78 on 13 July 2026. In his final interview, conducted in April 2026, he opened up about his career and his five-year battle with stage-three blood cancer.
Playing a Villain in Peaky Blinders
Neill played Major Chester Campbell, the primary antagonist in seasons one and two of Peaky Blinders. He told The Guardian: 'I’d like to think that, in life, I’m a goodie, so the chance to play a baddie can be a lot of fun. I loved playing Major Campbell in Peaky Blinders because he had a very sad dimension, so I felt slightly sorry for him.'
Cancer Treatment and Chemotherapy
Neill was diagnosed with stage-three blood cancer in 2022 after noticing swollen glands. He underwent chemotherapy for five years. In his final interview, he recalled asking a nurse what he could eat after treatment. She assured him he could eat 'whatever you feel like.' He said that for days after chemo, he couldn't eat at all, so he grew his own fruit and enjoyed breakfasts of stewed plums, apricots, and rhubarb.
CAR T-Cell Therapy and Remission
When chemotherapy stopped working, Neill tried CAR T-cell therapy, which genetically modifies T-cells to attack cancer. He said a scan showed no cancer left, and he was 'very excited.' His family confirmed he remained cancer-free at the time of his death.
Sudden Death and Family Statement
Neill's death was described as 'sudden and unexpected' by his family. A statement read: 'It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing... Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life.' The New Zealand Herald reported that he contracted pneumonia, and his weakened immune system from chemo could not cope.
Reflections on Mortality
In an earlier interview with Australian Story, Neill said he was not afraid of dying: 'That doesn't worry me. It's never worried me from the beginning, but I would be annoyed. I'd be annoyed because there are things I still want to do. Very irritating, dying. But I'm not afraid of it.'
