Sam Neill, the celebrated actor best known for his role as Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, has died at the age of 78.
Neill’s family announced that the actor passed away in Sydney, Australia, on Monday, describing his death as “sudden and unexpected.”
The family said Neill died surrounded by loved ones and with the dignity that had defined his life and career.
“The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free,” his family said in a statement.
The actor had previously revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage-three non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2023 and underwent treatment. Earlier this year, Neill announced that he was cancer free following successful therapy.
The cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed.
Tributes have poured in from across the world, with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon describing Neill as “one of the greats.”
Luxon praised the actor for taking New Zealand stories to international audiences and helping strengthen the country’s film industry.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute, saying Neill held a “special place in Australian hearts” and was remembered for his talent, humour and dedication.
Born in Northern Ireland in 1947, Neill moved to New Zealand as a child and later became one of the country’s most recognised actors.
He began his acting career in New Zealand films during the 1970s before gaining wider attention through Australian productions.
His international breakthrough came in 1993 when he starred as palaeontologist Dr Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster Jurassic Park, a role that made him a global film star.
Neill later returned to the franchise in Jurassic Park III and Jurassic World Dominion, continuing his connection with one of cinema’s most successful film series.
Beyond Jurassic Park, Neill built an impressive career across film and television. He starred in movies including The Hunt for Red October and The Piano, as well as appearing in popular television series such as Peaky Blinders.
He was also praised for supporting New Zealand cinema, including his role in Taika Waititi’s Hunt for the Wilderpeople.
In his 2023 memoir, Neill opened up about his health battle, revealing that he feared he was “possibly dying” after receiving his cancer diagnosis.
However, he later shared positive news after treatment, saying medical scans showed no signs of cancer.
Outside acting, Neill was also known for his love of farming and winemaking. He operated vineyards in Central Otago, New Zealand, where he spent time away from the spotlight.
With a career lasting more than 50 years, Sam Neill leaves behind a legacy as one of New Zealand’s most respected performers and an actor whose work inspired audiences around the world.
