Sam Neill, 'Jurassic Park' star, dies at 78 in Sydney

Sam Neill, the beloved New Zealand actor best known for playing Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, died on Monday in Sydney at age 78. His family announced the death, calling it "sudden and unexpected" but noting that Neill remained cancer-free after treatment for angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma Source: AP News. A cause of death was not specified.

Neill's career spanned more than five decades, from Australian New Wave films like My Brilliant Career and Dead Calm to blockbusters such as Jurassic Park and The Piano. He earned an Emmy nomination for the miniseries Merlin and played Major Chester Campbell in Peaky Blinders. He was knighted in 2022 for his contribution to film Source: BBC.

Tributes

Colleagues and leaders paid tribute. Steven Spielberg called Neill "exceptionally collaborative" and noted that "Sam will never be forgotten by us or his many millions of fans around the world" Source: Gizmodo. Laura Dern said he was "my beloved lifetime friend… a true and noble gentleman" Source: Gizmodo. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described Neill as "one of the greats" who helped build New Zealand's film industry Source: Euronews. Australian PM Anthony Albanese said Neill "earned a special place in Australian hearts" Source: Euronews.

Legacy

Neill's portrayal of Dr. Alan Grant inspired a generation of scientists. Scientists and educators credited his character with steering them toward STEM careers Source: Wired. Beyond acting, Neill ran Two Paddocks vineyard and was an environmental activist. His memoir, Did I Ever Tell You This?, was published in 2023 during his cancer treatment. He is survived by four children and eight grandchildren Source: DW News.