Actor Sam Neill, best known for playing the role of Dr Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park film franchise, passed away on Monday, July 13. He was 78 years old at the time of his demise. The New Zealand actor’s family shared the news through a statement on Instagram.
The statement read, “It is with immense sadness that the whānau 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. (sic)”
Read the statement here:
Born in Northern Ireland in 1947 and raised in New Zealand, Neill enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades across film and television. He rose to international fame with his portrayal of palaeontologist Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park and later reprised the role in Jurassic Park III and Jurassic World Dominion.
Beyond the blockbuster franchise, Neill delivered memorable performances in films such as The Piano, The Hunt for Red October, Event Horizon, The Horse Whisperer and Hunt for the Wilderpeople.
In 2023, Neill revealed that he had been diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of blood cancer. Earlier this year, he announced that he was cancer-free following treatment.
Neill is survived by his four children.
Also Read: Movie Review: Peter Rabbit