Actor Sam Neill, widely recognized for his role as Dr. Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg's "Jurassic Park," died on July 13 at the age of 78. His passing came just weeks after he attended a music hall of fame ceremony in Sydney, where he appeared to be in good spirits.

Neill shared photos from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame ceremony in June, celebrating the induction of artists including Jenny Morris, Kate Ceberano, and the duo Vika and Linda Bull. He posted on Instagram at the time, calling the honored women "idols" he had admired for decades.

"Great night in Sydney," Neill wrote on June 11. "Four women I have idolised for decades were honored. Jenny Morris, Kate Ceberano, and Vika and Linda Bull. Jenny was inducted [into] the Hall by no less than our former NZ PM, Jacinda Ardern. Another hero."

The ARIA Hall of Fame event, held to mark 40 years of the music awards, was a standalone ceremony. Plans for the event were finalized in September 2024, according to ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd. In previous years, the Hall of Fame inductees were typically honored as part of the main ARIA Awards ceremony.

Neill's family announced his death on Instagram, stating he passed away on July 13 in Sydney, surrounded by family. They noted that the loss was "sudden and unexpected" but acknowledged the blessing that Neill had recently been declared cancer-free after a battle with 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," the family's statement read. "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, also attended the Sydney Film Festival in June. Festival organizers remembered him for 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 paid tribute to Neill, stating he would be "mourned and long remembered." Albanese added, "Sam Neill starred in so many beloved Australian stories and he earned a special place in Australian hearts. 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."