Sam Neill was suffering from pneumonia before his sudden death on Monday at the age of 78.

Sam Neill has died at the age of 78 after revealing he was 'cancer--free' just months ago following his long battle with the disease.

His death in Sydney was “sudden and unexpected”, according to a statement posted to the actor’s social media page.

The star had announced he had won his battle with cancer in April.

Neill had recovered from cancer before becoming unwell.