The family of New Zealand‑Australian actor Sam Neill confirmed his death on 13 July in Sydney. In a statement they said he passed away at the age of 78.
Neill gained worldwide fame for his role as Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park film series and for portraying Tommy Shelby in the television series Peaky Blinders. He also appeared in many other film and television productions.
Only a few months earlier the actor had announced that, after a bout with cancer, he was cancer‑free again. The news attracted considerable attention worldwide.
His death leaves a gap in the film industry; colleagues and fans remember his versatile work and likable personality.