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Actor Sam Neill, Jurassic Park star, dies at 78; tributes pour in

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Beloved actor Sam Neill, known for his role in Jurassic Park, has died at the age of 78 in Sydney, Australia.
  • His family described his passing as sudden and unexpected, noting he died surrounded by loved ones and remained cancer-free after battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
  • Tributes have poured in from global leaders and fellow actors, celebrating his extensive career and contributions to cinema, particularly his iconic portrayal of Dr. Alan Grant.

The world of cinema mourns the loss of Sam Neill, the acclaimed New Zealand-born actor who passed away at the age of 78. Neill died in Sydney, Australia, in what his family described as a "sudden and unexpected" event, surrounded by his loved ones. His passing comes after a period of remission from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a battle he had publicly shared since 2023.

one of the greats

— Christopher LuxonNew Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's tribute to Sam Neill.

Neill, born Nigel John Dermot Neill in Northern Ireland in 1947, moved to New Zealand as a child. He embarked on an acting career that spanned over five decades, accumulating more than 150 film and television credits. He first gained international attention with the 1977 film "Sleeping Dogs" and solidified his reputation with "My Brilliant Career" in 1979. His global breakthrough arrived in 1993 with pivotal roles in Jane Campion's Academy Award-winning "The Piano" and Steven Spielberg's blockbuster "Jurassic Park."

such a thoughtful, curious, and decent person.

— Jacinda ArdernFormer New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's description of Sam Neill.

His portrayal of paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant in the "Jurassic Park" franchise became iconic, with Neill reprising the role in "Jurassic Park III" (2001) and "Jurassic World Dominion" (2022). Beyond this beloved character, his extensive filmography includes notable performances in "The Hunt for Red October," "Dead Calm," "Event Horizon," and the BBC series "Peaky Blinders."

earned a special place in Australian hearts

— Anthony AlbaneseAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's sentiment on Neill's place in Australian hearts.

Following the news of his death, tributes flooded in from across the globe. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon hailed Neill as "one of the greats" who significantly boosted New Zealand's film industry internationally. Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern remembered him as a "thoughtful, curious, and decent person." Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated Neill held "a special place in Australian hearts." Colleagues like Toni Collette called him a "hero, a legend, a sweetheart," while Laura Dern, his "Jurassic Park" co-star, fondly recalled him as "my beloved lifetime friend," emphasizing his loyalty and warmth. Filmmaker Colin Trevorrow and actor Richard E. Grant also shared heartfelt remembrances, highlighting his soulful spirit and gentlemanly demeanor.

a hero, a legend, a sweetheart.

— Toni ColletteActress Toni Collette's tribute to Sam Neill.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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