Sam Neill, the acclaimed New Zealand actor best known for his role as Dr Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, has died at the age of 78, his family confirmed on Monday, July 13, 2026. He passed away in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by family.
Family Statement Confirms Sudden Passing
In an official statement, Neill's family described his death as "sudden and unexpected." The statement read: "It is with immense sadness that the whānau 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."
Five-Decade Career and Iconic Roles
Neill's career spanned more than five decades, making him one of New Zealand's most celebrated actors. He rose to global fame playing palaeontologist Dr Alan Grant in the 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park, a role he reprised in Jurassic Park III and Jurassic World Dominion. Beyond the dinosaur franchise, he starred in critically acclaimed films and TV shows including The Hunt for Red October, The Piano, Event Horizon, Peaky Blinders, and The Tudors.
Cancer Battle and Remission
In 2023, Neill revealed he had been diagnosed with a rare type of blood cancer. He later confirmed that his treatment was successful and that he had entered remission. His family noted that he remained cancer free at the time of his death.
No further details regarding his passing have been made public at this stage. The family has requested privacy as they grieve.
