Jurassic Park legend Sam Neill dies 'suddenly' aged 78

The Jurassic Park legend Sam Neill has died at 78, and his family said the death was “sudden and unexpected.” Neill, a New Zealander best known for playing Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, passed away on Monday, 13 July 2026, in Sydney, according to a post shared by his loved ones. The family said he died “surrounded by family” and that the loss was unexpected but “blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free.” They did not provide a cause of death, but pointed to his public account that he was cancer-free after a blood cancer diagnosis in 2022. In April, Neill discussed receiving CAR T-cell therapy tied to a clinical trial, following chemotherapy that had stopped working, and described a scan showing no cancer. The piece also notes his earlier film career from 1977’s Sleeping Dogs and later screen work, including Jurassic World Dominion.