Sam Neill, Beloved ‘Jurassic Park’ Star, Dies at 78

For generations of movie fans, Sam Neill will always be remembered as Dr. Alan Grant, the paleontologist who stared down dinosaurs in Jurassic Park. But across a career that spanned nearly five decades, the actor became much more than one iconic character, earning acclaim in everything from historical dramas to cult classics.

Neill has died at the age of 78.

His family announced the news in a statement shared on Instagram on Monday, July 13, saying his death was "sudden and unexpected."

"It is with immense sadness that the whānau [extended family] of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia," the statement began.

"Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterized his whole life," the statement continued. "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. More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss."

Best known for playing Dr. Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg's 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park, Neill also starred in films including The Hunt for Red October, The Piano, Dead Calm, and My Brilliant Career. On television, he appeared in acclaimed series such as The Tudors, Peaky Blinders, Merlin, and, most recently, Apples Never Fall.

Over the years, Neill became one of New Zealand's most celebrated actors while remaining known for his wit, humility, and love of his vineyard, Two Paddocks, which he founded in 1993.