Actor Sam Neill, famed for "Jurassic Park," dies at 78

New Zealand actor Sam Neill died on Monday at the age of 78, his family announced on social media. The family said Neill was surrounded by relatives at the time of his passing.

"Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life," the statement read. Neill, who gained worldwide recognition for his portrayal of Dr. Alan Grant in the "Jurassic Park" series, had been declared cancer-free in April after five years of treatment for blood cancer. The family described his death as sudden and unexpected, noting that he remained free of cancer at the time of his death. The story is still developing.