New Zealand actor Sam Neill, beloved worldwide for his portrayal of Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise and acclaimed performances in films such as The Piano, has died at the age of 78.Neill passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by family. His family described the loss as “sudden and unexpected” in a statement shared on his official social media.
“It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia,” the statement read. “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.”
The family expressed gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their care and requested privacy as they grieve.
Neill had been open about his 2022 diagnosis with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare blood cancer. He underwent treatment, including chemotherapy and later CAR T-cell therapy, and had been cancer-free in recent months.
Tributes have begun pouring in from colleagues and fans across the globe, remembering Neill’s versatile career spanning blockbusters, art-house dramas, and New Zealand productions. Further details about memorials or funeral arrangements are expected to be shared by the family in due course.
