How did Phillip Mann die? Cause of Death Explained

English-born New Zealand author, teacher, and theatre director Phillip Mann, who has 11 novels to his name, passed away this Thursday. Read on to know how did Phillip Mann die, what was the cause of his death, and what happened to him.

Mann was a widely known science fiction writer. He was also the founding teacher at New Zealand’s first university drama department, at Victoria University of Wellington in 1970.


How did Phillip Mann die?


Phillip Mann died on Thursday, September 1, 2022. He had just turned 80 last month. His family announced the unfortunate news of his passing in an official statement. New Zealand’s Minister of Climate Change, James Shaw, has also confirmed Mann’s death.

“I am very sorry to learn that Phillip Mann has died. ‘The Disestablishment of Paradise’ is a paean of deep environmentalism. It was shortlisted for the Arthur C Clark Award for science fiction, so don’t just take my word for it that it’s an excellent book,” he tweeted.

Fans have been paying respect to the gone legend on social media platforms.

“Saddened to learn that NZ science fiction author and academic Phillip Mann has died. He was the guest of honor at the first SF convention I attended, in 1989. He was such an inspiration to me,” wrote Paul Scoones on Twitter.


Phillip Mann dead: What was the cause of his death?


The statement shared by Phillip Mann’s family didn’t reveal the exact cause of his death. Netizens are speculating that the author died of natural causes. He also had a number of old age-related health issues.

We’ll update this section when more information surrounding Mann’s demise is available. We will try reaching his family and friends a couple of days later.

Who was Phillip Mann?


Anthony Phillip Mann was born in August 1942 in North Yorkshire in the United Kingdom. He studied English and drama at Manchester University and moved to California later. After that, he moved to New Zealand and established the first drama studies position at the University of Victoria in Wellington in 1970.

Mann retired from the position of professor of drama at the university in 1998 in an attempt to concentrate on other projects. He was a science fiction author. However, he published his first novel since 1996, Disestablishment of Paradise, in 2013.

The book was about the corruption of mankind on a pristine-Earth-like planet called Paradise and its subsequent banishment. It was a best-seller and was shortlisted for the prestigious Arthur C Clark Award. It also helped Mann become an honorary fellow of the New Zealand Society of Authors, and patron of the Phoenix Science Fiction Society.

Mann had also worked as a “polisher of English” (sub-editor) with the New China News Agency in Beijing between 1968 and 1970. He was also a leading theatre director who directed premieres of New Zealand work by Vincent O’Sullivan, Renée, and Greg McGee.

In 2017, Mann was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to theatre and literature. At the time of death, he had 11 novels to his name.


Phillip Mann is survived by his Wife, Children, and Grandchildren

Phillip Mann is survived by his wife, Nonnita, daughter Delia, son Owen and grandchildren Jasper, Poppy, Ianto, and Rafe.

He celebrated his 80th birthday last month at Newtown’s Te Whaea buildings where he also celebrated the successful launch of his most recent novel Chevalier & Gawayn: The Ballad of the Dreamer.

His family, friends, colleagues, and former students were at the event. Our heartfelt condolences go out to them. May God let the departed soul rest in peace.