Entertainment
Sam Neill dies at 78; tributes pour in from New Zealand and Australian leaders
July 13, 2026 at 01:18 PM · Updated 95d ago
Coverage
11 reports · 1 in Arabic, 10 in English · over 23 hours
Actor Sam Neill, best known for his role in Jurassic Park, has died at age 78 in Sydney, his family announced Monday.
- Neill's family said his death was "sudden and unexpected" and that he remained cancer-free at the time of his death.
- New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described Neill as "one of the greats" who helped build the country's film industry.
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Neill "earned a special place in Australian hearts" and fought illness with dignity.
- Neill's career spanned more than five decades and included The Piano, The Hunt for Red October, and Peaky Blinders.
Latest developments
- In Clyde and Alexandra, residents remembered Neill as an unpretentious local who frequented cafes, supported the community cinema, and was a patron of the local hospital.










