Actor Sam Neill attended the Sydney launch of director Bruce Beresford’s new film The Travellers on Tuesday night, quelling recent speculation about his health.
The 78-year-old, best known for his roles in Jurassic Park, Evil Angels and The Bicentennial Man, was photographed in a beanie at the Cremorne Orpheum event.
Neill does not appear in the film and avoided the red carpet and media, instead mingling quietly with friends, including the film’s star Bryan Brown.
Reports in recent months suggested Neill had been largely absent from public life as he continued treatment for the rare blood cancer Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, which he was diagnosed with in 2022.
In recent weeks, his friends from the music industry, including Tex Perkins and Jimmy Barnes, had posted photos with Neill that prompted further concern.
Barnes shared an image of the pair in beanies a week ago, writing they were “celebrating friendship.”
Neill’s agent did not respond when contacted for comment about his health.
Observers at Tuesday’s event noted that despite significant recent hair loss, Neill appeared to be in good spirits and has taken part in several social engagements in the past week.
The actor first revealed his diagnosis publicly in 2023, explaining that chemotherapy had failed and he had since been undergoing fortnightly infusion treatments.
“They were very grim and depressing,” Neill said at the time, adding the treatment will eventually stop working.
“I’m prepared for that.”
Images: Instagram
