Actor Sir Sam Neill, known for playing Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, is dead at age 78. The New Zealand actor's family confirmed today that Neill died in Sydney, Australia. Neill had been diagnosed with stage three blood cancer but was declared cancer-free in April.
The family said his death was "sudden and unexpected" and that “he remained cancer free.” They added “It is with immense sadness that the whānau [family] 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 characterized his whole life.”
While best known for the “Jurassic Park” franchise, Neill appeared in films including “Omen III: The Final Conflict,” “Dead Calm,” “The Hunt for Red October,” “The Piano” and many others. He also starred in two movies with Meryl Streep; “Plenty” and “A Cry In The Dark.” His last screen appearances will be in the 2027 films “Godzilla x Kong: Supernova” and “The Last Resort.”
Neill was a pioneering figure in the development of film in New Zealand. He starred in Roger Donaldson’s action film “Sleeping Dogs” in 1977, the first feature film to be shot on 35mm film in New Zealand.
Neill was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1991 Queen's Birthday Honours, for services as an actor. In June 2022, he accepted a redesignation as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Neill is survived by his son Tim and daughter Elena.
Source: Variety