Sam Neill, the actor best known for his role as Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, has died at the age of 78. His family announced the death in Sydney, Australia, describing it as "sudden and unexpected."

Neill, born in Northern Ireland and raised in New Zealand, passed away "surrounded by family and with the dignity that characterised his whole life," according to a family statement. He had previously battled non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, revealing in 2023 that he was undergoing chemotherapy. By April 2026, scans showed no cancer in his body, and his family confirmed he remained cancer-free at the time of his death.

Global tributes to a versatile actor

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called Neill "one of the greats," crediting him with helping shape the country's film industry. Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern remembered him as "a thoughtful, curious, and decent person." Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted Neill's impact on Australian cinema, stating he "earned a special place in Australian hearts."

Co-stars and industry figures also paid tribute. Toni Collette wrote, "I love you, dear Sam. You hero. You legend. You sweetheart. Our great friend. You are already missed so very much." Colin Trevorrow, who directed Neill in Jurassic World Dominion, described him as "a deeply soulful and beautiful man." Richard E. Grant, a longtime friend, called him "an officer and a gentleman in the truest sense."

A career spanning five decades

Neill's career included over 150 screen credits, with notable roles in The Piano, The Hunt for Red October, Dead Calm, and the BBC series Peaky Blinders. He reprised his Jurassic Park role in two sequels and voiced the character in video games. His final film, The Fox, was released in 2025, with posthumous appearances expected in Godzilla x Kong: Supernova and The Last Resort in 2027.

Born Nigel John Dermot Neill in 1947, he adopted the name Sam at age 12. He began acting in New Zealand before gaining international recognition with Sleeping Dogs (1977) and My Brilliant Career (1979). Knighted in 2022, he was also honored with an OBE in 1991 and New Zealand's Order of Merit in 2007. His memoir, Did I Ever Tell You This?, detailed his cancer journey, with Neill stating, "I'm not afraid of dying... I really enjoy living."

He is survived by four children and eight grandchildren. The family requested privacy as they navigate their loss.