Actor Sam Neill, Star of ‘Jurassic Park,’ Dies at 78
Actor Sam Neill, famous for his roles in "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," has died at the age of 78. His family announced his passing, which occurred on Monday in Sydney.
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 13, 2026 —
Sam Neill, the acclaimed actor known for his versatile performances in films such as Jurassic Park and The Piano, has passed away at the age of 78. His family confirmed his death, stating that it occurred on Monday in Sydney.
Neill, an actor with a career spanning several decades, became a household name for his role as Dr. Alan Grant in the 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park. He reprised the character in later installments of the franchise, including Jurassic Park III (2001) and Jurassic World Dominion (2022).
His career also included a memorable performance in Jane Campion’s 1993 Palme d’Or-winning film The Piano. Throughout his career, Neill appeared in a wide range of film and television projects, earning critical praise for his work.
The actor was born in Omagh, Northern Ireland, and later moved to New Zealand and then Australia, where he established his acting career.
Story summarized from the original created by The Associated Press on www.npr.org, see more information here.
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