Iconic Hollywood actor Sam Neill to be remembered in private funeral ceremony, following ‘sudden’ death at 78
Details of the actor’s upcoming funeral plans have been revealed, following the icon’s death on Monday aged 78.
Details of Sam Neill’s upcoming funeral plans have been revealed following the announcement of his death by his family on Monday.
The 78-year-old Hollywood legend died surrounded by his beloved family inside Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital, four years after his blood cancer diagnosis.
While his family confirmed he remained cancer-free at the time of his death, it was later revealed that the Jurassic Park star was sick with pneumonia.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Days after news of his death shocked fans, it has emerged that the iconic performer will be farewelled in a low-key ceremony in New Zealand, open to only friends and family.
No public memorial will be held for the star, with the funeral set to be an extremely private affair attended only by those closest to him, an insider close to the family told TMZ.
“No public service or celebration of life will take place,” the source told the publisher.
“We’re told the beloved actor never liked a big fuss to be made about him in life . . . and that will be honoured in his death.”
Neill’s family described his death as “sudden and unexpected”, with tributes from fellow actors, co-stars and politicians flowing in from around the world.
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who directed Jurassic Park, led tributes coming out of Hollywood on Tuesday, describing Neill as “exceptionally collaborative” in portraying Dr Alan Grant.
“It was a stretch for him to play a character who acted as though children were messy and smelly because this was the opposite of the loving father he was to his children,” Spielberg said.
“I adored making all the Jurassic movies with him”.
Laura Dern, who played paleobotanist Dr Ellie Sattler, and Jeff Goldblum, who played Dr Ian Malcolm, also paid tribute to their “beloved lifetime friend”.
“He showed me the depths of loyalty, protectiveness and love always with the driest of wit,” Dern said in an Instagram statement.
“He was a true and noble gentleman, wrapped up in my dream leading man. I will love you forever, Dr Alan Grant.”
Goldblum posted a photo on Instagram of the three on the set of Jurassic Park, saying: “The next great adventure begins. Love, always and forever”.
Originally published on PerthNow
