Jurassic Park Star Sam Neill Triumphs Over Stage 3 Blood Cancer and Returns to Work

Sam Neill, the iconic actor known for his roles in Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders, recently revealed that he has been battling stage three blood cancer. However, in a testament to his resilience and determination, Neill is already back at work after receiving treatment and is set to star in the upcoming limited series, Apples Never Fall.

Neill’s diagnosis came in March 2022, while he was doing publicity for the latest installment of the Jurassic Park franchise, Jurassic World Dominion. The actor experienced swollen glands, which led to a diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. He underwent chemotherapy, but when that began to fail, he started on a new chemotherapy drug and is now cancer-free. Despite his success, he will still continue to receive the drug monthly for the rest of his life.

In his upcoming memoir, Did I Ever Tell You This?, Neill shares his journey with cancer and how he coped during his treatment. He reveals that he began writing as a way to keep busy and maintain a sense of purpose. “I never had any intention to write a book,” he says. “But as I went on and kept writing, I realized it was actually sort of giving me a reason to live.” Neill went to bed thinking about what he would write about the next day, finding comfort in the creative outlet that writing provided.

Despite the challenges he faced, Neill remained optimistic and grateful for his friends and family. “I can’t pretend that the last year hasn’t had its dark moments,” he says. “But those dark moments throw the light into sharp relief, you know, and have made me grateful for every day and immensely grateful for all my friends. Just pleased to be alive.”

Neill’s quick return to work is a testament to his determination and the resilience of the human spirit. He is set to star in the TV adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s bestselling novel, Apples Never Fall, alongside Annette Bening. According to representatives for the actor, he is “very well and back at work.”

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma is a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It is characterized by enlarged lymph nodes, fever, and a variety of other symptoms. The exact cause of this type of lymphoma is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a dysfunction of the immune system.

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for lymphoma and involves the use of powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. However, chemotherapy can have serious side effects, including nausea, hair loss, and an increased risk of infection. Neill’s ability to overcome these challenges and maintain his positive attitude is a testament to his strength and resilience.

Sam Neill’s journey with cancer serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Despite facing a life-threatening illness, he remained optimistic and focused on his recovery. His return to work after receiving treatment is a testament to his determination and the power of creative outlets to provide comfort and purpose during difficult times. We wish him continued health and success in all his future endeavors.