parks
New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for ‘Jurassic Park' and ‘The Piano,' dies at 78
By The Associated Press at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· July 12, 2026
· 5 min read
Sam Neill, a smoothly elegant and versatile actor whose career moved from art film to blockbuster, as he dodged velociraptors in “Jurassic Park” to playing Holly Hunter’s husband in “The Piano,” has died. He was 78.
In 2023, Neill disclosed he had been diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell ...
Key takeaway In 2023, Neill disclosed he had been diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
In Los Angeles , where the film industry is a significant part of the city's identity, the passing of Sam Neill is a reminder of the impact that international talent has on the local entertainment landscape. Neill's iconic role as Dr. Alan Grant in "Jurassic Park" was likely a familiar face to many Angelenos who have visited Universal Studios Hollywood, where the film's theme park attraction has been a staple for decades. The movie's success also highlights the importance of the city's film production infrastructure, which has hosted numerous blockbuster productions over the years. As the city continues to evolve and grow, it's worth noting that the legacy of actors like Neill, who have contributed to the rich cultural heritage of Los Angeles, will be remembered and celebrated by fans and industry professionals alike. His body of work will remain a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of film.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 12, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Sam Neill, a smoothly elegant and versatile actor whose career moved from art film to blockbuster, as he dodged velociraptors in “Jurassic Park” to playing Holly Hunter’s husband in “The Piano,” has died. He was 78.
In 2023, Neill disclosed he had been diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 12, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by The Associated Press at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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