Renowned actor Sam Neill, famously recognized for his iconic role in Steven Spielberg’s hit, “Jurassic Park,” was all smiles at a music hall of fame event just a few weeks prior to his passing at the age of 78.
Neill looked delighted in a selfie taken with singer Kate Ceberano, who was celebrated as part of the 2026 class of inductees in the Australian Recording Industry Association’s hall of fame in June.
In addition to his snapshot with Ceberano, Neill captured moments backstage with fellow inductees, musical duo Vika and Linda, as well as Jenny Morris, a former member of “the Crocodiles.”
During the ceremony, Jenny Morris was honored with an induction into the ARIA hall of fame by none other than former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, whom Neill admired as Morris’s “hero.”
On June 11, Neill expressed his joy on Instagram, sharing, “What an incredible night in Sydney. Honored were four women I’ve admired for so long: 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 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.”