Actor Sam Neill dies at age 78

Sam Neill, the actor best known for playing Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, has died at the age of 78. He passed away on Monday, with his family by his side. Neill was born in Northern Ireland but grew up in New Zealand, and he spent his career working across many countries. He appeared in more than 100 films, including The Piano, Dead Calm, and The Hunt for Red October. He also had a role in the BBC series Peaky Blinders. Neill had been treated for cancer, but doctors confirmed he was cancer-free after a scan in April 2026. New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised his contribution to the country's arts and culture. Actors Laura Dern and Toni Collette also shared tributes to their former colleague.