Jurassic Park star Sam Neill dies at 78

Published July 13th, 2026 - 06:11 GMT
Sam Neill
New Zealand actor Sam Neill takes part in the opening ceremony of the 67th San Sebastian Film Festival in the northern Spanish Basque city of San Sebastian on September 20, 2019. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA / AFP)

ALBAWABA - Renowned New Zealand actor Sam Neill, best known for starring in Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders, has died at age 78. His family released a statement confirming his death to the public. 

The statement read, "It is with immense sadness that the whānau 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." 

It added that the loss was "sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free." 

According to NBC News, Neill announced in April that he was cancer-free after five years of undergoing treatment for blood cancer.

"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."