Jurassic Park star Sam Neill reunited with his first son who he had adopted after the pair lived apart for 25-years.

The actor's tragic death was announced to the world on Monday, just a few short months after he declared he was cancer free.

Sam's family released a statement: "It is with immense sadness that the whānau [extended family] 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 characterised 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."

In his early twenties Sam first became a father. Speaking later of this time, he said he believed he was not "capable" of being a parent. As such, his son Andrew was placed for adoption. However, Sam and Andrew did end up reuniting after they both "went looking for each other".

"No one has all the answers on how to be a good parent. I've got a slightly unusual family; it's more extended than most. My first son, Andrew, was given up for adoption when he was very small. I was quite small, too – in my early twenties. I didn't see him for 25 years and then we went looking for each other," he said.

"These reunions are portrayed as sentimental and grisly, but there is nothing sentimental about it.

"No one sobs in anyone's arms; it's much more grown-up. You're more capable than you think. If I could give my 20-year-old self any piece of advice, it would be that."

Sam had fathered three other children by the time he and Andrew were reunited in 1994.

His first wife Lisa Harrow gave birth to his second son Tim in 1983.

He later married Noriko Watanabe, who had his daughter Elena in 1991.

Sam adopted Noriko's daughter Maiko.

The actor admitted he had not been present during much of the childhoods of his offspring.

"Probably a lot of my parenting has been marked by absence for one reason or another, not the least of them being that my job entails travel a lot," Sam explained.

"I don't have any tips myself as far as parenting is concerned. At the same time, I'm not going to beat myself up about it. Now I have eight grandchildren. This has to stop! I mean, I've only just got a handle on all their names any more and I'll be struggling."

His son Tim said: "There are worse things a dad can do than be off working. He is a good dad. He's a very good dad. He's grandad. Grad, as we call him."

Sam was reportedly surrounded by his family when he died.