parks
New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for 'Jurassic Park' and 'The Piano,' dies at 78, his family says
By AP via Scripps News Group at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 13, 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 and played Holly Hunters husband in The Piano, has died. He was 78.In 2023, Neill disclosed he had been diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, ...
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 Nashville
Nashville 's film community is likely to feel the loss of Sam Neill, given the city's growing reputation as a hub for movie and television production. While Neill's passing may not have a direct impact on local filmmaking, his legacy serves as a reminder of the power of versatile acting and the importance of international collaboration in the industry. As Nashville continues to attract major productions, the city's residents and filmmakers may reflect on Neill's remarkable range and the iconic roles he played in films like Jurassic Park. The city's own parks and green spaces, which are a source of pride for locals, may also evoke memories of Neill's portrayal of paleontologist Alan Grant, navigating the dangers of a theme park filled with cloned dinosaurs. As the local film scene evolves, it will be interesting to see how Nashville's own storytellers and actors draw inspiration from Neill's body of work.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville 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 NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
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 and played Holly Hunters husband in The Piano, has died. He was 78.In 2023, Neill disclosed he had been diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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