Sam Neill, ‘Jurassic Park’ star, was beaming in last public appearances before death at 78

Sam Neill – best known for his role in the Steven Spielberg-directed blockbuster “Jurassic Park” – was all smiles at two events just weeks before his death at 78. 

On June 11, the actor beamed in a selfie taken with the singer Kate Ceberano – who was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association’s hall of fame class of 2026.

Neill, who played Dr. Alan Grant in “Jurassic Park,” also shared backstage pictures last month of fellow inductees Vika and Linda, as well as former member of “the Crocodiles” Jenny Morris.

Morris was inducted into the ARIA hall of fame by former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Adern – and Neill dubbed the ex-pol a “hero.”

“Great night in Sydney. Four women I have idolised for decades were honored. Jenny Morris, Kate Ceberano, and Vika and Linda Bull,” he wrote via Instagram at the time.

“Jenny was inducted [into] the Hall by no less than our former NZ PM , JACINDA ARDERN. Another hero.”

The hall of fame event was held to mark 40 years of the Australian Recording Industry Association music awards.

One week prior, Neill attended the Sydney Film Festival — and appeared in good spirits at that event as well.

Neill’s family announced his death Monday.

“It is with immense sadness that the whānau [family] of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia,” they wrote in an Instagram statement.

“Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterized his whole life,” Neill’s loved ones continued.

The announcement, notably, came two months after Neill announced he was cancer free following a battle with the rare blood cancer angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.

Neill’s family clarified, “The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free. 

The statement concluded, “They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care.

“More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss.”

Neill, who moved to New Zealand as a child, attended the Sydney Film Festival in June 2026 and bosses said “he will be fondly remembered by all those who experienced his craft and bravery as an actor, his infectious larrikin spirit, and his fervent support of exciting new voices in cinema.”