Actor Sam Neill, Star of ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘The Piano,’ Dies at 78
5 verified2 unconfirmed1 contested
Sam Neill, the New Zealand actor known for his decades-long career in film and television, died on Monday at the age of 78. Neill is most widely recognized for his role as paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant in the "Jurassic Park" franchise, a part he played across three films. His career spanned more than 50 years and included leading roles in both blockbusters and independent productions. Neill also earned acclaim for performances in "The Piano," "Dead Calm," "Possession," "Event Horizon," and the television series "Peaky Blinders." He broke through in the New Zealand thriller "Sleeping Dogs" before gaining international attention with roles in the 1980s and 1990s. His death was reported by multiple entertainment outlets on July 13, 2026.
What’s verified
Sam Neill died on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the age of 78.
He is best known for playing Dr. Alan Grant in the "Jurassic Park" film series (1993, 2001, 2022).
Neill starred in "The Piano" (1993), "Dead Calm" (1989), "The Hunt for Red October" (1990), "Possession" (1981), "Event Horizon" (1997), "In the Mouth of Madness," "My Brilliant Career" (1979), and "Sleeping Dogs" (1977).
He played a major role in the television series "Peaky Blinders" (2013–2014) and also starred in the miniseries "Merlin" (1998).
Neill was a New Zealand (Kiwi) actor.
Where accounts differ
One source lists the release year for "In the Mouth of Madness" as 1995, while another lists it as 1994. No other significant contradictions were identified across sources.
Not yet confirmed
Several roles were mentioned by only one source, including "Omen III: The Final Conflict" (1981), "A Cry in the Dark" (1988), "Attack Force Z" (1982), "Reilly: Ace of Spies" (1983), "The Tudors" (2007), and "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" (2016).
It is unclear whether Neill had any other upcoming projects at the time of his death or what the cause of death was.
Key figures
Sam Neill (actor)
Dr. Alan Grant (character from "Jurassic Park")
Dr. William G. "Billy" Weir (character from "Event Horizon")
Major Chester Campbell (character from "Peaky Blinders")
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
