Sam Neill, the New Zealand actor whose decades-long career included iconic roles in Jurassic Park, The Piano, and Peaky Blinders, died on July 13, 2026, at the age of 78. His family confirmed the death, though full details surrounding the circumstances were not immediately released. Neill had previously disclosed a diagnosis of a rare blood cancer, angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, in his 2023 memoir.

Neill rose to international prominence playing paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg's 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park, a role he reprised in sequels spanning nearly three decades. Beyond the franchise, he built a substantial body of work across film and television, earning acclaim for his performances in films such as The Hunt for the Wilderpeople and the BBC series Peaky Blinders.

Born Nigel John Dermot Neill on September 14, 1947, in Omagh, Northern Ireland, Neill was raised in New Zealand and became one of the country's most celebrated cultural exports. He was also known for his Central Otago wine venture, Two Paddocks, and for his candid and humorous presence on social media in his later years.

Reports noted that Neill had appeared upbeat and engaged in his final public appearances, with friends and colleagues describing him as warm and characteristically good-humored. Tributes poured in from the entertainment industry following news of his death. His family has asked for privacy during this time.