Sam Neill, Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders actor, dies aged 78
Acclaimed actor Sam Neill, best known for his role in Jurassic Park and his performance in Peaky Blinders, has died at the age of 78. His family announced his passing in Sydney, noting he remained cancer-free at the time of his death.
Sam Neill, the acclaimed actor best known for his iconic role as Dr. Alan Grant in the 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park, has died at the age of 78. His family announced his passing on July 13, 2026, in Sydney, Australia, describing it as “sudden and unexpected.” Neill, who was born Nigel John Dermot Neill in Omagh, Northern Ireland, in 1947, had been battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare blood cancer, for several years before his death.
Neill’s family shared a statement on Instagram, emphasizing that he “remained cancer free” at the time of his death and was “surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life.” They expressed gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their care and requested privacy as they grieved. The actor had revealed in April 2026 that he was cancer-free following a novel treatment, but his death came just months later.
Neill’s career spanned over five decades, marked by a diverse range of roles in film, television, and theater. He rose to international fame as the pragmatic paleontologist in Jurassic Park, a role that defined his career and earned him a place in pop culture history. He reprised the character in Jurassic Park III (2001) and Jurassic World Dominion (2022), and voiced the character in video games. His other notable films include The Piano (1993), for which he received critical acclaim, and The Hunt for Red October (1990), where he played a Soviet submarine officer.
On television, Neill gained recognition for his portrayal of the corrupt police officer Major Chester Campbell in the BBC series Peaky Blinders, a role that showcased his ability to embody complex, morally ambiguous characters. He also appeared in The Tudors, Merlin, and the 2024 Peacock series Apples Never Fall. His work on screen was complemented by his contributions to New Zealand’s film industry, where he helped elevate local stories to global audiences.
Neill’s battle with cancer began in 2022 when he was diagnosed with stage 3 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After undergoing chemotherapy and a clinical trial involving CAR T-cell therapy, he announced in April 2026 that he was cancer-free. “I’ve just had a scan just now, and there is no cancer in my body, that’s an extraordinary thing. I’m very, very excited that this can happen,” he told Australian media earlier that year.
Despite his illness, Neill remained active in his work and personal life. He was a vintner, running the Two Paddocks vineyard in New Zealand’s Central Otago region, which he established in 1993. He also authored a memoir, Did I Ever Tell You This?, published in 2023, which detailed his experiences with cancer and his reflections on life. “I’m not afraid of dying,” he told the BBC in 2023. “What I don’t want to do is to stop living, because I really enjoy living.”
Tributes poured in from colleagues, politicians, and fans following his death. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called him “one of the greats,” highlighting his role in building the nation’s film industry. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised his “dignity, humour, and conviction,” while actor Richard E Grant, a close friend, described him as “an officer and a gentleman in the truest sense.”
Neill is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren. His legacy endures through his body of work, his contributions to New Zealand’s cultural landscape, and the impact he had on those who knew him. As his family and fans mourn, his career remains proof of his talent, resilience, and enduring influence on entertainment.
