Sam Neill, 'Jurassic Park' star, dies at 78 after cancer-free reveal
Bryan Alexander and KiMi Robinson
USA Today
Updated
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Sam Neill has left behind one of the most celebrated careers in film and television. Following his death at the age of 78 in July 2026, fans are remembering the New Zealand actor whose unforgettable performances spanned more than five decades. Nominated for Emmy and Golden Globe awards for p…
Sam Neill, who famously starred in the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise, has died at the age of 78. His family announced the news on his official Instagram page. "It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia," their statement read. The family said that Neill was surrounded by loved ones and died "with the dignity that has characterized his whole life." The statement added that his death was sudden and unexpected but stressed that he had remained cancer-free following his recovery from stage 3 blood cancer earlier this year. Neill starred in movies including ‘Jurassic Park,’ ‘The Hunt for Red October,’ ‘The Piano,’ ‘Event Horizon,’ and ‘The Horse Whisperer.’ Born in Northern Ireland in 1947, Neill moved to Christchurch, New Zealand, as a child, later discovering his passion for acting at the University of Canterbury. After making his television debut in 1971's ‘The City of No’ and appearing in several local productions, his breakthrough came with the 1977 movie ‘Sleeping Dogs.’
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