GUWAHATI: Acclaimed New Zealand actor Sam Neill, best known for his portrayal of Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, has died at the age of 78. His family confirmed that Neill passed away on Monday, July 13, in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by his loved ones.
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In a statement shared on Neill's official Instagram account, his family described his passing as sudden and unexpected. They said he died "with the dignity that has characterised his whole life" and thanked the staff at St Vincent's Private Hospital for their care during his final days. The family has requested privacy as they grieve.
Neill's death comes only months after he announced that he was cancer-free following advanced CAR T-cell therapy for stage-three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of blood cancer. Earlier this year, the actor had expressed optimism about returning to work after celebrating the successful outcome of his treatment.
Over a career spanning several decades, Neill became one of New Zealand's most acclaimed actors, earning international recognition through performances in films such as Jurassic Park and The Piano, as well as the television series Peaky Blinders. His work ranged from critically acclaimed arthouse cinema to major Hollywood blockbusters, making him one of the country's most celebrated screen performers.