Actor Sam Neill, star of *Jurassic Park* and *The Piano*, died in Sydney at age 78, his family reported, describing the loss as sudden and unexpected. Though he had battled stage-three non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Neill was cancer-free earlier this year; no cause of death was given. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called Neill one of the greats, crediting him with elevating his nation's film industry. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the actor holds a special place in Australian hearts, praising the dignity and humor he displayed while ill. The tributes from both countries underscored Neill’s decades-long career and cultural impact across the Tasman.