Sam Neill is being remembered by the film and TV community after his family announced his “sudden and unexpected” death.
In a statement shared on Neill’s Instagram profile, his loved ones said the Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders actor died “with the dignity that has characterised his whole life.”
The statement led to an outpouring of grief. Jurassic Park director Steven Spielberg was among those leading the tributes. In a statement, Spielberg said: “I owe a debt of gratitude to Roger Donaldson, Gilliam Armstrong, Graham Baker and Phillip Noyce for casting Sam Neill in the roles in which he was so brilliant that brought him to my attention and led to his playing Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park.
“Sam was exceptionally collaborative. It was a stretch for him to play a character who acted as though children were messy and smelly because this was the opposite of the loving father he was to his children. I adored making all the Jurassic movies with him. Along with Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum, we will always have our Jurassic family and Sam will never be forgotten by us or his many millions of fans around the world.”
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Dern, who starred as Dr. Ellie Sattler opposite Neill’s Dr. Grant in thefranchise, paid tribute to “my beloved lifetime friend…” in a statement to Deadline. “He showed me the depths of loyalty, protectiveness and love always with the driest of wit. He was a true and noble gentleman, wrapped up in my dream leading man. I will love you forever, Dr. Alan Grant.”
Nicole Kidman, who starred alongside Neill in 1989’s Dead Calm, called him “one of the greats” and “a joy to be around” in a statement to the Sydney Morning Herald. “We met when I was just 18 and he took me under his wing and we stayed friends for life,” she added. “He was charming, kind, funny and intelligent. He will be greatly missed, and my heart goes out to his family.”
In a statement sent to Deadline, Cillian Murphy said: “Like everyone who knew and worked with Sam, I admired him and adored him in equal measure. He was one of the kindest, funniest and gentlest people, and one of the finest actors. RIP.”
Karl Urban, a fellow Kiwi, wrote that Neill was an “inspiration” and a trailblazer for his countrymen. “A beautiful man. A national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and to the world,” added The Boys star in an Instagram post.
Colin Trevorrow, director of Jurassic World, wrote on Instagram: “Sam Neill was a deeply soulful and beautiful man. He was a friend and collaborator at a challenging time, and his strength gave us all strength.
“I’ll remember him for his tranquility, his love of wine, and for the calm assuredness he brought to his characters. It’s not every lifetime you get to befriend a legend. Forever grateful.”
The Peaky Blinders team said they were “devastated” by Neill’s loss. “Sam’s portrayal of Chester Campbell is one for the ages,” the show said on Instagram.
“Sam was one of the key forces that got Peaky Blinders off to a running start, for which we will be forever grateful. Our love and thoughts are with his family.”
Richard E. Grant described Neill as an “officer and a gentleman in the truest sense,” recalling how they worked together on 2019’s Palm Beach.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon wrote: “Sir Sam Neill was one of the greats. He started out when there was barely a film industry in this country to speak of.
“For more than fifty years he took New Zealand stories to the world and his talents helped make our film industry into what it is today – one of our greatest cultural exports.
“His work will be watched and loved long after all of us. Our thoughts are with his family and friends tonight. Rest in Peace.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese added: “Sam Neill starred in so many beloved Australian stories and he earned a special place in Australian hearts.
“Wry and dry, thoughtful and laconic, Sam fought illness with the same dignity, humour and conviction that gave strength to his every performance. He will be much mourned and long remembered.”
In an Instagram comment, Kylie Minogue wrote: “Vale Sam 💔”
Toni Collette, the Oscar-nominated Australian actress who starred with Neill in A Long Way Down and Dirty Deeds, described her friend as a “sweetheart.”
Rhys Darby, star of HBO’s Flight of the Conchords, wrote: “A truly great human, a legend and an inspiration to all even beyond the art world. We will always love you Sam.”
Alan Cumming, The Traitors host who has previously referred to Neill as a friend, said: “Ahhh Sam, what a glorious beautiful man. You are missed. Sorry to the family for your immense loss.”
Lesley-Ann Brandt, star of Lucifer, wrote: “A remarkable man and artist. NZ loses a giant and one of its greatest gifts.”
Matthew Deaner, CEO of Screen Producers Australia, said: “Sam Neill was one of the great figures of Australian and New Zealand screen. His extraordinary talent and professionalism enriched countless productions and inspired generations of filmmakers and performers.
“Australian producers were privileged to work alongside Sam on so many landmark productions. His contribution to Australian storytelling and to our screen culture is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire audiences and the industry for generations to come.”
Denise Petski contributed to this report.
