Sam Neill, the New Zealand actor best known for his role as Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park films, dies at the age of 78. Multiple outlets report that his agent has confirmed pneumonia as the cause of death. The clarification follows earlier discussion online that referenced his health after he said he was “cancer free,” including reports he had previously been treated for stage-three blood cancer.
Several sources also note that Neill had been dealing with lymphoma and had undergone CAR-T therapy, a cancer treatment, before later appearing to be in remission. In the period leading up to his death, he contracted pneumonia, according to statements attributed to his team.
Tributes from colleagues and major figures in film are widely reported, with remembrances highlighting Neill’s long career and wide range of roles beyond Jurassic Park, including work in Peaky Blinders and other projects. Coverage also references that he was known for being private, and that plans for a private memorial at his farm in New Zealand were discussed in reports.
