parks
New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘The Piano,’ dies at 78, his family says
By Joseph Swanson at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· 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 wit...
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 Minneapolis
Minneapolis residents who frequent the city's parks and green spaces may not immediately connect the passing of Sam Neill to their local community, but his iconic role in "Jurassic Park" brings to mind the dinosaur exhibits at the Science Museum of Minnesota, a popular destination in the Twin Cities area. The film's themes of science, nature, and wonder are reflected in the museum's own programming and exhibits, which aim to inspire curiosity and learning in visitors of all ages. As the community mourns the loss of a talented actor, it's also a reminder of the ways in which popular culture can intersect with and influence our local institutions and attractions, making them more engaging and relevant to our daily lives. The legacy of Sam Neill's work will likely continue to be felt in the many fans who visit the Science Museum and other local attractions, sparking imagination and interest in the natural world.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis 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 .
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Category: parks ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
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 wit...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joseph Swanson at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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