Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway delivered a breaking news update on Monday's programme, announcing the death of Hollywood star Sam Neill. The actor, best known for his roles in Jurassic Park, Event Horizon, and The Piano, died in Sydney, Australia, at the age of 78.
Breaking News Announcement on GMB
Joining hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls in the ITV daytime studio, Garraway read a statement from Neill's family: "In breaking news in the last few minutes, the family of actor Sam Neill have confirmed that he's died. They said it was with immense sadness that the extended family of Sam Neill share the news of his passing in Sydney, Australia. The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free."
The 78-year-old actor had been diagnosed with a "ferocious type of aggressive" non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2023. He later shared updates on his treatment and in April confirmed he was cancer-free, stating: "We've just had a scan just now and there is no cancer in my body, that's an extraordinary thing."
Sam Neill's Cancer Journey
In October 2023, Neill told ABC's Australian Story: "I'm not in any way frightened 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."
He also addressed fans in a video message, saying: "I made a passing remark that the treatment I'm on, which has me in remission, will inevitably fail one day. It's nothing to worry about. I'm in remission and plan to be in remission for many years to come. At such time as it does fail, we'll try something else. There are all sorts of things that are happening with cancer these days. It's a whole new ball game. So please stop worrying, I'm getting a lot of messages on social media and from friends. Sorry to worry everybody – it's all good, it's all fine. It's a beautiful day, I'm off to work."
Tributes and Family Statement
The statement from Neill's family continued: "It is with immense sadness that the whānau [extended family] of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia. Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life. They 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."
Neill was also known for roles in Peaky Blinders, Merlin, and his award-winning performance in The Piano. Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
