Remembering Sam Neill, who railed against 'constipated' anti-LGBTQ+ leaders

This story originally appeared on Out.Sam Neill, the rugged, versatile actor whose career spanned five decades and whose tousled hair and piercing blue eyes inspired many a crush, has died. He was 78. Perhaps best known for his three appearances in the blockbuster Jurassic Park and Jurassic World film franchises, Neill was also outspoken about politics down under, from immigration to LGBTQ+ rights. As a straight ally of the LGBTQ+ community, he critiqued Australian politicians in 2016 for failing to enact same sex marriage in the face of overwhelming public support.Born in Northern Ireland but raised since the age of 7 in New Zealand, the actor died at St. Vincent's Private Hospital on Monday in Sydney, Australia, Variety reported. Just three months ago, Neill declared he was cancer-free, following a four-year battle with blood cancer. He passed away surrounded by family, according to a statement posted on his Instagram. The statement substitutes "whānau" for "family," a Māori word that generally translates as "extended family." “It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia. Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterized 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.” See on Instagram Sam Neill called New Zealand home and maintained both a winery and a farm near his home in Central Otagoa, as Variety reported. He also had a deep, lifelong connection to Australia, often filming there and appearing on Australian television. A decade ago, during an October 2016 TV interview while on a break from filming Thor: Ragnarok