Sam Neill – best known for his role in the Steven Spielberg-directed blockbuster “Jurassic Park” – was all smiles as he attended a music hall of fame ceremony just weeks before his death at 78.
The actor beamed in a selfie taken with the singer Kate Ceberano – who was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association’s hall of fame class of 2026 in June.
Neill, who played Dr. Alan Grant in “Jurassic Park,” also shared backstage pictures of fellow inductees Vika and Linda, and former member of “the Crocodiles” Jenny Morris.
Morris was inducted into the ARIA hall of fame by former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Adern – and Neill said the ex-pol was her “hero.”
“Great night in Sydney. Four women I have idolised for decades were honored. Jenny Morris, Kate Ceberano, and Vika and Linda Bull,” he wrote on Instagram June 11.
“Jenny was inducted [into] the Hall by no less than our former NZ PM , JACINDA ARDERN . Another hero.”
The hall of fame event was held to mark 40 years of the Australian Recording Industry Association music awards.
Plans for the standalone hall of fame event were finalized in September 2024 ahead of the major milestone.
“It’s something we’ve had in the pipeline for some time and a decision that was made by the board to recognise the incredible contribution many others have made to the Australian music landscape and we’ll be announcing more details next year because being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame is a special moment and an important one for an artist,” Annabelle Herd, the ARIA CEO, said, The Music Network reported.
In recent years, the ARIA would induct one or two singers into its hall of fame as part of that year’s ARIA Awards ceremony. The 2026 ARIA awards will take place in November.
There were no inductees into the ARIA hall of fame in 2021 and 2022.
Neill’s family announced Monday he had died — just two months after he announced he was cancer free following a battle with the rare blood cancer angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.
“It is with immense sadness that the whānau [family] of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia,” they said on Instagram.
“Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life.
“The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free.
“They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care.
“More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss.”
Neill, who moved to New Zealand as a child, attended the Sydney Film Festival in June 2026 and bosses said “he will be fondly remembered by all those who experienced his craft and bravery as an actor, his infectious larrikin spirit, and his fervent support of exciting new voices in cinema.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Neill will be “mourned and long remembered.”
“Sam Neill starred in so many beloved Australian stories and he earned a special place in Australian hearts,” he wrote on X.
“Wry and dry, thoughtful and laconic, Sam fought illness with the same dignity, humour and conviction that gave strength to his every performance.
“He will be much mourned and long remembered. May he rest in peace.”
