Sam Neill, Jurassic Park icon and Peaky Blinders star, dies aged 78
Neill has been described as an "inspiration", a "hero" and a "beautiful man".
Borja B. Hojas/Getty Images
- Phoebe Kowhai Barnes
Published: Monday, 13 July 2026 at 10:55 am
Jurassic Park icon Sam Neill has died at the age of 78.
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The New Zealand actor, who was also familiar to fans for his role in Peaky Blinders, passed away in hospital in Sydney, Australia on Monday 13 July.
A statement made on his Instagram on behalf of his family revealed that while his death was "sudden and unexpected" he passed away surrounded by family and with "dignity".
The statement reads in full: "It is with immense sadness that the whānau [family] of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July 2026 in Sydney Australia.
"Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that characterised his whole life.
"The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free. The family 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 Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park. Murray Close/Getty Images
The actor revealed in March 2023 that he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma a year earlier and had been undergoing chemotherapy. Although the cancer later went into remission, he continued to receive monthly chemotherapy. In April 2026, Neill told Australia's 7 News that a recent scan showed no cancer in his body.
Neill was born 14 September 1947 in Omagh, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland before moving to Christchurch, New Zealand with his family in 1954 aged 7.
He began acting in 1970 and had a career that spanned more than 50 years in the industry. He gained recognition for the 1977 film Sleeping Dogs, before achieving global fame in 1993 for his performances in Jane Campion's Oscar-winning The Piano and as palaeontologist Dr Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park and its two sequels.
He also held multiple TV roles, notably as the titular character in Merlin, for which he received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, as well as The Tudors and more recently Peaky Blinders.
Sam Neill as Chief Inspector Chester Campbell in Peaky Blinders. BBC
Tributes have poured in for the late actor from friends and former colleagues with The Boys star Karl Urban calling Neill an "inspiration" and a trailblazer for his countrymen.
"A beautiful man. A national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and to the world," the Kiwi actor wrote in an Instagram post.
British actor Richard E Grant recalled how he and Neill had worked together on 2019’s Palm Beach, describing him as an "officer and a gentleman in the truest sense".
Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said: "Sir Sam Neill was one of the greats. He started out when there was barely a film industry in this country to speak of.
"For more than 50 years he took New Zealand stories to the world and his talents helped make our film industry into what it is today – one of our greatest cultural exports.
"His work will be watched and loved long after all of us. Our thoughts are with his family and friends tonight. Rest in Peace."
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese added: "Sam Neill starred in so many beloved Australian stories and he earned a special place in Australian hearts.
"Wry and dry, thoughtful and laconic, Sam fought illness with the same dignity, humour and conviction that gave strength to his every performance. He will be much mourned and long remembered."
Oscar-nominated Australian actor Toni Collette, who had known Neill for many years and worked with him on Long Way Down and Dirty Deeds, shared an emotional tribute, saying: "I love you, dear Sam. You hero. You legend. You sweetheart. Our great friend. You are already missed so very much. Continue in peace wherever you are."
Alan Cumming, host of The Traitors US, who was friends with Neill, said: "Ahhh Sam, what a glorious beautiful man. You are missed. Sorry to the family for your immense loss."
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Lucifer star Lesley-Ann Brandt also wrote: "A remarkable man and artist. NZ loses a giant and one of its greatest gifts."
Authors
Phoebe Kowhai BarnesFreelance Writer
Phoebe Kowhai Barnes is a Freelance Writer who covers pop culture and entertainment programmes for the Radio Times. She previously worked as the Senior Assistant Editor at The Tab where she managed its local department. She obtained a BA (Hons) in English Literature from University of Nottingham.
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