Sam Neill, the iconic Jurassic Park actor, dies aged 78

Mon Sep 14 2026 09:51:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

New Zealand legend Sam Neill, famed for his role in Jurassic Park, passes away at 78. His film legacy spans Hollywood blockbusters and acclaimed arthouse works.

Sam Neill, the distinguished New Zealand actor famously known for portraying Dr. Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park, died at the age of 78. The 78‑year‑old marks the end of a prolific career that began with early roles such as Damien in The Omen III and extended into science‑fiction adventures like Event Horizon. He later returned to his dinosaur‑loving legacy in Jurassic Park III and, after a decade‑long hiatus, reprised his role in the modern Jurassic World series culminating in 2022’s Jurassic World Dominion. Neill’s versatility also found expression in the BBC’s Peaky Blinders, the fantasy series Merlin, and the mystery drama Apples Never Fall.

Sam Neill, the iconic Jurassic Park actor, dies aged 78

Australian‑born New Zealand actor Sam Neill, best known for his role as Dr Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 classic Jurassic Park, has died at the age of 78.

Neill’s career stretched from the early 1980s, with his portrayal of Damien in The Omen III, to high‑profile blockbusters, arthouse dramas and television series.

1989 – Starred opposite Nicole Kidman in the psychological thriller Dead Calm.

1993 – Played Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, a role that cemented his global fame.

1995 – Appeared in Event Horizon, a sci‑fi thriller set in space.

1998‑2006 – Featured as the title character in the BBC television series Merlin and its 2006 sequel.

2010s‑2020s – Returned to the Jurassic franchise in Jurassic Park III (2001) and the modern Jurassic World sequels, including Jurassic World Dominion (2022).

Later credits included the mystery drama Apples Never Fall and the BBC series Peaky Blinders.

Neill’s influence in film and television spanned continents, genres and generations, leaving fans worldwide nostalgic for both his heroic dinosaur encounters and his versatile dramatic performances.