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July 13 (Reuters) – New Zealand actor Sam Neill died suddenly on Monday aged 78 after recovering from cancer, his family said in ​a statement on Monday.

Here is reaction ‌to the news:

AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE IN A SOCIAL MEDIA POST:

“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.”

NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER CHRISTOPHER LUXON IN A SOCIAL MEDIA POST:

“Sir Sam Neill was one of ​the greats. He started out when there was barely a film industry in this country ⁠to speak of. For more ⁠than fifty years he took New ​Zealand stories to the world and his talents helped ​make our film industry into what it ‌is today – one of our greatest cultural exports.”

FORMER NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER HELEN CLARK IN A SOCIAL MEDIA POST:

“RIP Sam Neill, legendary NZ actor ⁠who brought great pride to our country through many starring roles on screen & wide international recognition.”

AUSTRALIAN ACTOR MAGDA SZUBANSKI ⁠IN A ‌SOCIAL MEDIA POST:

“I’m just absolutely devastated. ⁠Darling Sam. I really don’t have ​any ‌words right now. I’m in complete ​shock. Last ⁠time we spoke he was going so well. My heart goes out to his family and all who love him – and there are so many of us. Vale my darling friend.”

(Compiled by Christine Chen ​in Sydney)

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