parks
Sam Neill, New Zealand actor who starred in ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘The Piano,’ dies at 78
By Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· July 13, 2026
· 6 min read
By MARK KENNEDY and CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY
The Associated Press
WELLINGTON, New Zealand Sam Neill, the smoothly elegant and versatile actor whose prolific career moved from art films to blockbusters as he dodged velociraptors in “Jurassic Park” and played Holly Hunter’s husband in “The Piano,” ha...
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 Odessa
The passing of Sam Neill is a loss felt by fans of film worldwide, including those in Odessa . While Neill's work may not have direct ties to the city, his iconic roles in movies like "Jurassic Park" have likely been enjoyed by many in the Permian Basin area. The news of his death serves as a reminder of the impact that film can have on a community, bringing people together through shared experiences and memories. For locals who have visited the Permian Basin's own natural attractions, such as the Odessa Meteor Crater, Neill's portrayal of a paleobotanist in "Jurassic Park" may have sparked an interest in the region's unique geological features. As the community reflects on Neill's legacy, it's a chance to appreciate the role that film plays in shaping our understanding and appreciation of the world around us, including the natural wonders found right here in West Texas.
About this story
Original reporting by Odessa American (oaoa.com) . The Odessa 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 Odessa American (oaoa.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: Odessa American (oaoa.com) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By MARK KENNEDY and CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY
The Associated Press
WELLINGTON, New Zealand Sam Neill, the smoothly elegant and versatile actor whose prolific career moved from art films to blockbusters as he dodged velociraptors in “Jurassic Park” and played Holly Hunter’s husband in “The Piano,” ha...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by Odessa American (oaoa.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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