Sam Neill, the Northern Ireland-born New Zealand actor, dies at 78, multiple outlets report. He is remembered for playing Major Chester Campbell in the first two seasons of the crime drama Peaky Blinders. Neill’s performance is highlighted as a major part of the early series, with sources describing him as a key force behind the show. Both outlets link his death to his contribution to the program, noting his role as a senior figure in the story during its initial run. The reports focus on his connection to Peaky Blinders and identify his character and seasons, while providing limited additional detail beyond his age and background. Neill’s passing is covered as the death of a prominent screen actor known internationally, with particular attention paid to his impact on the popular British series.