Sam Neill, who famously portrayed Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, attended the Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony shortly before his passing at 78. He was in high spirits during the event.
At the ceremony, Neill snapped a selfie with singer Kate Ceberano, who was honored by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) as a new Hall of Fame inductee in June.
He also showcased a behind-the-scenes photo featuring fellow inductees Vika and Linda Bull, along with Jenny Morris, a former member of Crocodiles.
Morris received her induction from former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, whom Neill called a personal hero.
“It was a fantastic night in Sydney. It’s incredible to see four women I’ve admired for years recognized: Jenny Morris, Kate Ceberano, and Vika and Linda Bull,” he shared on Instagram on June 11.
“Jenny has been appointed [into] the Hall of Fame by none other than Jacinda Ardern. Another hero.”
This event commemorated the 40th anniversary of the ARIA Music Awards, celebrating the contributions of various artists to the Australian music scene. There are plans for a standalone Hall of Fame ceremony to be finalized by September 2024.
ARIA’s CEO, Annabelle Heard, mentioned that this recognition had been contemplated for a while. “It’s important to honor many artists who have shaped the Australian music landscape, and we’ll provide more details next year. Being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame is a significant occasion for artists,” she noted.
In recent years, only one or two artists have typically been inducted during the ARIA Awards. The 2026 ceremony is slated for November. Notably, there were no inductees in 2021 or 2022.
Unfortunately, Neill’s family announced his death, which occurred just two months after he had declared himself cancer-free following a battle with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of blood cancer.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of Sam Neill’s passing on Monday, July 13th in Sydney, Australia,” they communicated, expressing their gratitude for the care he received.
“While his passing was unexpected, the fact that he wasn’t suffering from cancer was a small comfort.”
The family requested privacy as they processed their loss and assured that more details would follow soon. Neill, who had moved to New Zealand during his childhood, had attended the Sydney Film Festival in June 2026, where directors reflected on how he would be dearly remembered for his talent, spirit, and encouragement of emerging filmmakers.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked that Neill would be “mourned and long remembered.”
“Sam Neill starred in many beloved Australian stories and occupies a special place in the hearts of Australians,” he stated.
“He faced his illness with the same dignity, humor, and conviction that defined his performances. He will be greatly missed and remembered for years to come. May he rest in peace.”
