Sam Neill, known for playing Alan Grant in ‘Jurassic Park,’ dies at 78

A familiar face to moviegoers around the world is gone

Sam Neill, best known for playing Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, has died

The New Zealand actor had been battling blood cancer for five years, but announced in April that he was cancer-free

In a statement, his family said his death was, quote, sudden and unexpected

but called it a blessing that he remained cancer-free until the end

Beyond Jurassic Park, Neal starred in films including The Piano, The Hunt for Red October, Event Horizon, and The Hunter during a career that spanned more than five decades

Sam Neal was 78 years old