Jurassic Park star Sam Neill has died
The actor's family issued a statement on social media
Mourning Sam Neill: The "Jurassic Park" star has died. The New Zealand actor passed away at the age of 78 in Sydney, Australia, according to multiple media reports.
After filming the movie "Jurassic World Dominion," Neill announced that he had been diagnosed with a form of blood cancer. In April, he stated that he was cancer-free. A statement from the family has now been posted on social media. It reads:
"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 characterised his whole life. 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."
As Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, Sam Neill remains unforgettable
Sam Neill had an impressive career. In total, his filmography spans about half a century. Born in Omagh, Northern Ireland, in 1947, the actor began to attract international attention primarily in the 1990s. Among other roles, he appeared in Jane Campion's acclaimed drama "The Piano" alongside Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, and Anna Paquin. However, most viewers likely remember him best for his role as paleontologist Alan Grant. He first played the beloved character in Steven Spielberg's 1993 blockbuster "Jurassic Park."
However, that wasn't to be the last time he portrayed the character. He made his comeback in the world of dinosaurs in Joe Johnston's "Jurassic Park III." After that, fans had to wait a long time for another reunion with Alan Grant. In 2022, the moment finally arrived: In "Jurassic World Dominion," Neill was seen once again in his signature role – alongside Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum, who also returned to their original roles from the first film as paleobotanist Ellie Sattler and mathematician Ian Malcolm.
About four years ago, Sam Neill spoke with Forbes about his famous movie character and said:
"In terms of the character, I always think Alan Grant is like an old comfortable pair of boots. They've seen better days, but they're really comfortable, and there's no way you'll get rid of those. Of course, you put on the comfortable boots and the hat, and you're back in it. […] These are films about people, ordinary people like a paleontologist or a mathematician but in very, very extreme situations. It's the people that generate these films."
Sam Neill will appear in Godzilla vs. Kong in theaters
Sam Neill has also taken on numerous roles on television. Among his most famous are those of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in the historical series "The Tudors" and Chester Campbell in the gangster series "Peaky Blinders: Gangs of Birmingham."
Next year, Sam Neill will be seen once again on the big screen. The late actor was part of the cast of the monster blockbuster "Godzilla x Kong: Supernova," set for release in 2027. It's at least a small consolation for fans who will sorely miss his presence on the big screen.
In addition to his film and television roles, he published the book "Did I Ever Tell You This?" in 2023, a memoir he wrote shortly after his cancer diagnosis. Neill was divorced twice and is survived by his son Tim, from his marriage to actress Lisa Harrow, and his daughter Elena, from his marriage to makeup artist Noriko Watanabe.