Sam Neill, Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders actor, dies aged 78 - BBC
Actor Sam Neill, best known for his role in 'Jurassic Park', has passed away at the age of 78. The article reflects on his career and the lasting cultural impact of the Jurassic Park franchise.
Why it matters
Sam Neill was a significant figure in modern cinema, and his passing marks the end of a notable career in blockbuster filmmaking.
Sam Neill as Dr Alan Grant takes on a Tyrannosaurus Rex in a scene from Jurassic Park
Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park brought not just stardom to Sam Neill, but a fresh take on dinosaur movies. And while they are based on the prehistoric creatures, the franchise is far from extinct.
Since its premiere in 1993 there has been an animated television series, comics, videogames, and seven films - three of which starred Neill.
It all started with an adaptation of the best selling novel by Michael Crichton, who also co-wrote the screenplay.
Audiences were captivated with Spielberg's use a combination of computer generated images (CGI) and practical animatronics that brought dinosaurs and people together. It evoked a childlike wonder and curiosity of these creatures.
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