Sam Neill shared joyful moments at ARIA Awards weeks before death

Sam Neill was seen smiling in a selfie at an awards show just weeks before his death at age 78. The “Jurassic Park” actor appeared at the 2026 Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame Awards in a photo shared on Instagram on June 12. 

Neill attended the ceremony at Carriageworks in Sydney and posed with Australian singer and actress Kate Ceberano, who was among the artists honored that night.

The late actor also shared several snaps from the event, including moments with Australian music duo Vika and Linda Bull, New Zealand singer-songwriter Jenny Morris, and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

“ARIA HALL of FAME awards! Great night in Sydney. Four women I have idolized for decades were honored,” Neill wrote in his caption.

He added that Jenny Morris was inducted into the Hall of Fame by “no less than our former [New Zealand Prime Minister] JACINDA ARDERN,” calling Ardern “another hero” and tagging the four honorees as well as the awards show. 

Weeks later, Neill also revealed that he had received a Best Actor in Drama nomination at the Logie Awards, Australia’s TV awards ceremony, for his role in the legal drama “The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer.”

His family announced on Instagram his passing on Monday, July 13. “It is with immense sadness that the whānau 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,” the statement read.

The family said Sam’s passing came unexpectedly, but they found comfort in knowing he had remained cancer free. They also shared their heartfelt thanks to the team at St. Vincent’s Private Hospital for the care and support they provided. 

While further details will be shared in time, the family has asked for privacy as they grieve and come to terms with this tremendous loss.

Following the announcement, thousands of fans and friends from the entertainment industry shared heartfelt condolences and remembered the impact Neill had throughout his career. 

Many also shared stories about their experiences working with him and celebrated the legacy he left behind for audiences, friends, and fellow actors, including “Star Trek” actor Karl Urban and French actor Sebastian Roché.

“Heartfelt condolences to your whanau. Sam was truly brilliant. An inspiration for many who followed in his trailblazing footsteps. A beautiful man. A national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and the world. God speed Sam,” Urban wrote.

Roché also shared his memories of working with Neill, writing, “Such sad news. I worked with Sam on "Merlin" and not only was he a brilliant actor but he was such a wonderful person as well. Thank you for kindness and humour fabulous Sam.”

In 2022, Neill was diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare and fast-spreading blood cancer. He announced the following year that his condition had improved and the cancer was no longer active. 

Earlier this year, Neill shared that he was cancer-free, making his sudden passing even more unexpected for those who had followed his recovery.