Veteran actor Sam Neill, best known for portraying paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, has died at the age of 78, his family announced on Monday.
Neill passed away in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by his family, according to a statement shared on Instagram.
His family described his passing as "sudden and unexpected" while noting that the actor had remained cancer-free after battling stage 3 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, which he publicly revealed in 2023.
"It is with immense sadness that the whānau (family) of Sam Neill share the news of his passing," the statement read, adding that the family requested privacy during this difficult time.
Born in Northern Ireland and raised in New Zealand, Neill enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades, appearing in numerous acclaimed films and television productions.
He rose to international prominence with roles in My Brilliant Career, The Hunt for Red October, The Piano, and the Jurassic Park series, reprising his iconic role as Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park III and Jurassic World Dominion.
Beyond his film career, Neill earned Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for his television work in Reilly: Ace of Spies, Merlin, and The Tudors. He also remained active in Australian and New Zealand cinema while operating his Two Paddocks winery in Central Otago.
Tributes poured in following the announcement, with Screen Producers Australia CEO Matthew Deaner describing Neill as "one of the great figures of Australian and New Zealand screen," praising his lasting impact on the film industry.
Neill is survived by his children Tim and Elena, as well as other members of his family. His legacy includes dozens of acclaimed performances that made him one of the most respected actors of his generation.
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