parks
Sam Neill, known for 'Jurassic Park' and 'The Piano,' dies at 78
By The Associated Press at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· July 13, 2026
· 1 min read
The 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.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The passing of Sam Neill may resonate with El Paso 's own film enthusiasts, who have come to appreciate the city's growing reputation as a filming location. While Neill's iconic roles in "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano" may not have direct ties to El Paso, his legacy serves as a reminder of the power of film to captivate audiences worldwide. Locally, the El Paso Film Commission has been working to attract more productions to the area, highlighting the city's unique landscapes and cultural heritage. As the city continues to develop its film industry, the contributions of actors like Neill, who have inspired generations of filmmakers and actors, will not be forgotten. El Paso's own community of filmmakers and actors may find inspiration in Neill's versatile career, from art house films to blockbuster hits, as they work to bring their own stories to the big screen.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso 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 KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The 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.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by The Associated Press at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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