arts
Sam Neill, "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano" star, dies at 78
By CBS Miami at CBS4 Miami
· July 13, 2026
· 5 min read
Wellington, New Zealand — 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 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 are likely to remember Sam Neill's iconic roles in movies like "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano". As a city with a strong connection to the Latin American and Caribbean communities, Miami's cultural scene often celebrates international talent. Neill's passing serves as a loss for fans who appreciate versatile actors who can navigate a wide range of genres. His ability to play complex characters will be missed, and his legacy will continue to be felt in the film community. Miami's own film scene, which includes the Miami Film Festival, often showcases a diverse range of films and talent, and Neill's body of work is a testament to the power of cinema to transcend borders and cultures. As the city continues to grow and evolve, it's likely that Neill's films will remain a part of its cultural landscape, introducing new generations to his remarkable range and talent.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . 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 CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Wellington, New Zealand — 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 an
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CBS Miami at CBS4 Miami. 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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