Sam Neill, the New Zealand actor best known for playing Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, has died at the age of 78. His family confirmed that he died suddenly in Sydney.
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In a statement shared on social media, his family said Neill’s death was unexpected. They added that he had remained cancer-free following his public battle with blood cancer. In April, the actor announced he was free of the disease.
Critics praised Neill for his versatility and consistent performances throughout his career.
During a career spanning more than 50 films, he starred in productions including Jurassic Park, The Hunt for Red October, The Piano, Evil Angels and Hunt for the Wilderpeople.
Nigel John Dermot Neill entered the world in Omagh, Northern Ireland, before later adopting the name Sam Neill.
However, he moved to New Zealand at the age of seven after his father retired from the army. Later, he chose the name Sam while attending school.
His breakthrough came with the 1977 New Zealand film Sleeping Dogs. The performance opened the door to major international roles and established him as one of the country’s most successful actors.
Although Hollywood brought him global recognition, Neill regularly returned to New Zealand to work. He remained closely connected to his home country throughout his career.
In his 2023 memoir, Did I Ever Tell You This?, Neill reflected on his childhood, early struggles with stuttering and his journey into acting. He wrote that performing in school plays gave him confidence and sparked his passion for storytelling.
The actor also revealed that he auditioned for the role of James Bond during the 1980s. However, he later admitted he never felt comfortable with the part and believed it was not the right role for him.
Throughout his career, Neill received three Golden Globe nominations and two Primetime Emmy nominations. He also won three Australian television awards, including recognition for The Twelve in 2025.
In 2022, Britain honoured him with a knighthood for his outstanding contribution to the film industry. He said he accepted the honour because it recognised the importance of the arts.
Away from acting, Neill built a successful vineyard in New Zealand’s Central Otago region. He launched the Two Paddocks wine label in 1997 and often shared life on his farm with fans through social media.
Sam Neill is survived by his two sons and two daughters.
