It gives me great sadness to report that Jurassic Park actor Sam Neill has died, aged 78. Born in Northern Ireland to an English mother and a New Zealand father, before his family moved to New Zealand. He is best known in the community for playing the character Alan Grant in 1993’s Jurassic Park, 2001’s Jurassic Park III and 2022’s Jurassic World Dominion.
In March 2023, Neill revealed that he had been undergoing chemotherapy since March 2022 after being diagnosed with blood cancer. In April 2026, he revealed he was cancer-free.
His family shared the following statement:
It is with immense sadness that the whÄnau [extended family] of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia. Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life. The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free. They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care. More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss.
Sam Neill as Alan Grant
Colin Trevorrow, who directed Neill in Jurassic World Dominion, said: “Sam Neill was a deeply soulful and beautiful man. He was a friend and collaborator at a challenging time, and his strength gave us all strength. I’ll remember him for his tranquility, his love of wine, and for the calm assuredness he brought to his characters. It’s not every lifetime you get to befriend a legend. Forever grateful.”