New Zealand actor Sam Neill, best known for his roles in Jurassic Park and The Piano, has died at the age of 78, his family announced. He died unexpectedly in Sydney on Monday.
In a statement shared on the actor’s social media accounts, Neill’s family said his death was «sudden and unexpected.» They added that he had remained cancer-free following his treatment for angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which he revealed publicly in 2023. No cause of death was disclosed.
Neill enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades, earning acclaim for performances in both independent films and Hollywood blockbusters. He became internationally recognised as Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park and also starred in Jane Campion’s Oscar-winning drama The Piano.
Widely regarded as one of New Zealand and Australia’s most celebrated actors, Neill leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances across film and television that earned him global recognition.
