arts
New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘The Piano,’ dies at 78, his family says
By Rubén Rosario at WSVN 7 News
· July 13, 2026
· 5 min read
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Sam Neill, a smoothly elegant and versatile actor whose career moved from art film to blockbuster as he dodged velociraptors in “Jurassic Park” and played Holly Hunter’s husband in “The Piano,” has died. He was 78. In 2023, Neill disclosed he had been diagnosed with an
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 Miami
Miami 's film enthusiasts will likely remember Sam Neill for his iconic role as Dr. Alan Grant in "Jurassic Park," a movie that brought the magic of cinema to the city's theaters. As a hub for Latin American and Caribbean communities, Miami has a diverse population that appreciates a wide range of films, and Neill's versatility as an actor made him a beloved figure in many households. His passing may also resonate with the city's own thriving arts scene, which includes the vibrant neighborhoods of Wynwood and Little Havana, where street art and culture converge. Neill's ability to play complex characters in various genres will be missed by Miami's moviegoers, who can appreciate the nuances of his performances in films like "The Piano" and "Dead Calm." As the city continues to grow and evolve, it's likely that Neill's legacy will live on through screenings and tributes in Miami's independent theaters and film festivals.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami 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 WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Sam Neill, a smoothly elegant and versatile actor whose career moved from art film to blockbuster as he dodged velociraptors in “Jurassic Park” and played Holly Hunter’s husband in “The Piano,” has died. He was 78. In 2023, Neill disclosed he had been diagnosed with an
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rubén Rosario at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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