Sam Neill: key obituary facts
Is Sam Neill dead? Yes. Sam Neill died on July 13, 2026, at age 78.
Cause of death: Sam Neill's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Sam Neill known for?
He was a New Zealand actor (1947–2026).
More about Sam Neill
Born: 14 September 1947.
Place of birth: Omagh.
Place of death: Sydney.
Gender: male.
Occupation: winegrower, film actor, television actor, film director, director, screenwriter, film producer.
Nationality: New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland.
Education: University of Canterbury, Victoria University of Wellington, Medbury School, Christ's College, Christchurch.
Awards: Officer of the Order of the British Empire, Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, honorary degree, AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, Sitges Grand Honorary Award, honorary doctor of the University of Canterbury.
Occupations: Actor, entrepreneur.
Years active: 1970–2026.
Sam Neill, the New Zealand actor best known for playing Dr.
Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park films, died on July 13, 2026. He was 78.
Born Nigel John Dermot Neill on September 14, 1947, in Omagh, he built a career that stretched across more than five decades and included work in film and television as well as directing, screenwriting and producing. He first drew wider notice in Sleeping Dogs and later appeared in films including My Brilliant Career, The Final Conflict, Possession, Dead Calm and Evil Angels, while on television he was seen in series such as Reilly, Ace of Spies, The Tudors, Merlin and Peaky Blinders. Regarded as one of the most versatile actors of his generation, he also worked as a winegrower and was honored with awards and distinctions in New Zealand and Britain.