By Ijeoma Agbafo
New Zealand actor Sam Neill, best known for his role as Dr Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park film franchise, has died at the age of 78, his family announced on his death on Monday. They described his death as sudden and unexpected, adding that he was surrounded by family in Sydney.
Neill had previously battled stage-three blood cancer but was declared cancer-free earlier this year. In a statement, his family said his passing was not related to the illness and thanked the staff of St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Sydney for their care while requesting privacy as they mourned his loss.
The actor enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades, starring in acclaimed films including Jurassic Park, The Piano, The Hunt for Red October and the television series Peaky Blinders. Born in Northern Ireland and raised in New Zealand, he became one of the country’s most celebrated actors and was knighted in 2022 for his services to drama.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues, political leaders and fans across the world, who remembered Neill for his talent, humour and enduring contribution to film and television. He is survived by his children and grandchildren.
