Jurassic Park star Sam Neill dies at 78

The film world mourns the loss of veteran actor Sam Neill, celebrated globally for his iconic portrayal of paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant in "Jurassic Park." The New Zealand-born star passed away peacefully in Sydney, Australia, on July 13 at the age of 78, his family announced.

Neill's family stated he died with dignity, surrounded by his loved ones. While his passing was sudden, they noted he was not suffering from cancer, a condition he had previously disclosed and battled publicly. The family expressed gratitude to the medical staff at St. Vincent's Private Hospital in Sydney and requested privacy during their time of grief.

Born in Northern Ireland and raised in New Zealand, Neill began his acting career in the 1970s. His role in Steven Spielberg's 1993 blockbuster "Jurassic Park" cemented his status as an international star. He reprised his role in "Jurassic Park III" and returned alongside original cast members for "Jurassic World Dominion" in 2022.

Beyond the "Jurassic" franchise, Neill's extensive filmography includes "The Hunt for Red October," "The Piano," "Thele Whispers," "Event Horizon," and "Bicentennial Man." He also made his mark on television with roles in "Peaky Blinders" and "The Tudors." His contributions to the arts were recognized with multiple Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Award nominations, and he was awarded the Companion of the Order of New Zealand in 2022.