Actor Sam Neill dies at 78

Sam Neill, a New Zealand-born actor celebrated for his role as Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park series and appearances in films such as "Dead Calm" and "The Piano," died in Sydney, Australia, on Monday, July 13, at the age of 78. The family announced his passing on social media, noting that he was surrounded by relatives and that his death was sudden but occurred while he was cancer-free.

"It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia," the family statement read, adding gratitude to staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their care.

Neill, who was knighted in 2022 as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, began his career in the late 1970s and gained international recognition for "My Brilliant Career" in 1979. Over a 45-year career he appeared in a range of productions, including "The Hunt for Red October," "The Piano," "Thor: Love and Thunder," and the first two seasons of "Peaky Blinders." He reprised his Jurassic Park role in the 2001 sequel and the 2022 "Jurassic World Dominion," and contributed voice work to related video games.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Neill held "a special place in Australian hearts" for his contributions to local storytelling. Neill is survived by four children, eight grandchildren and his second wife, and he was also the founder of New Zealand's Two Paddocks vineyard.