Sir Sam Neill's cause of death revealed

Popular New Zealand actor, Sir Sam Neill, died from pneumonia earlier this week, his long time agent has confirmed.

Neill’s family announced his sudden death on his Instagram, saying it was unexpected, but they felt blessed knowing he had died cancer-free.

Remembering Sam Neill

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On Thursday, Sir Sam's agent of 19 years, Philip Grenz sent a statement confirming the actor's cause of death.

"As Sam Neill’s longtime rep, I spoke with his family and wish to clarify some details for his fans," the statement read.

"Sam passed away from pneumonia. Prior to becoming sick, Sam had valiantly fought and beaten lymphoma through a new treatment called CAR-T therapy.

"In addition to running his award-winning winery, Two Paddocks, Sam had filmed four projects back-to-back during the past year, all of which will be released within the coming months.

"As Sam was an intensely private man who loathed a fuss, his family will honour him with a private family memorial at his farm in New Zealand at a still-undetermined later date."

Earlier this year, Sir Sam told 7News in Australia that he was cancer-free fives years after being diagnosed.

“I’ve just had a scan just now and there is no cancer in my body, that’s an extraordinary thing," Neill said at the time.

CAR T-cell therapy genetically modifies the patient's immune cells to target and kill the cancer cells.

"It's science at its best," said Sir Sam, who was a patron of Snowdome medical foundation, which has been pushing for the therapy to be accessible in Australia and New Zealand.

Sir Sam is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren.

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