Some claimed the actor as an 'honorary Aussie' for his contributions to local film and TV.

The iconic New Zealand actor's family said the loss was "sudden and unexpected".

The much-loved actor, best known for his role as palaeontologist Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, has died.

The much-loved actor Sam Neill has died, according to a post on his Instagram feed.

The acclaimed New Zealand actor built a five-decade career spanning blockbusters, dramas and television, with roles in ‘The Piano,’ ‘Dead Calm’ and ‘Peaky Blinders’

The pride of New Zealand and Australia also starred in ‘My Brilliant Career,’ ‘Dead Calm,’ ‘In the Mouth of Madness,’ ‘The Final Conflict’ and ‘Event Horizon.’

New Zealand actor Sam Neill has died, his family said in a statement.

Neill died in Sydney Australia on July 13 surrounded by family.

'The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free," a statement posted on Sam Neill's Instagram page says

New Zealand actor Sam Neill, best known for his role in Jurassic Park, has died in Sydney, his family says.

Neill died in Sydney today surrounded by family.

The New Zealand born actor, who also appeared in 'Omen III,' 'Dead Calm,' and many others, was 78.

Versatile actor whose career spanned Oscar winners and blockbusters such as The Piano and Jurassic Park died surrounded by family in Sydney

Sam Neill's friends and colleagues have paid tribute following the actor's death at the age of 78.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by SamNeillTheProp (@samneilltheprop)

Australian comedian and cancer survivor Magda Szubanski has paid an emotional tribute to actor Sam Neill, who has died aged 78.

The star of more than 100 films is remembered as a champion of New Zealand’s arts, culture and environment, and a generous collaborator and friend

With more than 150 acting roles under his belt, Sam Neill leaves a lasting legacy to the film and TV industry, and an array of characters that will stay in fans' hearts forever.

Cary Elwes called working with Sir Sam Neill a ‘great privilege’.

Handsome, talented and with an easy, gracious manner, the Northern Ireland-born actor was a consummate professional with a stellar career spanning six decades.

The actor's family said: "It is with immense sadness that the whanau (family) of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday, July 13, in Sydney, Australia. Sam was…