Hollywood stars, filmmakers, musicians and political leaders have paid tribute to acclaimed actor Sam Neill, remembering him as a gifted performer, loyal friend and remarkably humble man following his sudden death at the age of 78.
Neill’s family said his death was unexpected. Although he had previously undergone treatment for blood cancer, he had announced earlier in 2026 that he was in remission, and his family confirmed that he remained cancer-free when he died.
The Northern Ireland-born, New Zealand-raised actor enjoyed an international career spanning more than five decades. He was best known globally for portraying palaeontologist Dr Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, while also earning acclaim for films including The Piano, Dead Calm, My Brilliant Career, The Dish and Hunt for the Wilderpeople.
In later years, Neill divided his time between acting and managing his farm and winery in Otago, New Zealand. Friends and colleagues said his international fame never changed his approachable and down-to-earth personality.
Spielberg remembers the Jurassic family
Steven Spielberg, who directed the original Jurassic Park, led the Hollywood tributes and praised Neill’s collaborative approach to playing Dr Grant.
Spielberg noted that Grant’s initial dislike of children was completely different from Neill’s real-life personality as a devoted father. He said working with Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum created a lasting “Jurassic family” and that the actor would be remembered by millions of fans worldwide.
Dern described Neill as a beloved lifelong friend whose loyalty, protectiveness and love were always accompanied by his famously dry sense of humour. She remembered him as a noble gentleman and the ideal leading man.
Goldblum also honoured his former co-star by sharing a photograph of himself, Neill and Dern together on the set of the dinosaur franchise.
Nicole Kidman remembers lifelong friendship
Nicole Kidman, who starred opposite Neill in the 1989 maritime thriller Dead Calm, said he was one of the great actors.
Kidman recalled meeting Neill when she was just 18 and said he supported and guided her early in her career. Their professional relationship developed into a lifelong friendship, and she remembered him as charming, intelligent, funny and kind.
Australian singer Kylie Minogue posted a brief tribute, while fellow performers from Australia, New Zealand and overseas shared personal stories about Neill’s generosity.
Jimmy Barnes recalls a close family friend
Rock singer Jimmy Barnes described Neill as part of his family and said he found it difficult to imagine no longer sharing food, wine, music and conversation with him.
Barnes said Neill had supported him during a hospital stay and that he had returned that support when the actor needed help.
He remembered Neill as someone who lifted the mood whenever he entered a room and expressed gratitude for the experiences they had shared.
Actors praise his kindness and generosity
Richard E Grant, who had known Neill for about three decades and worked with him in Palm Beach, said the actor had guided him through a difficult period in his life.
Grant described his friend as a genuine gentleman whose decency extended far beyond his professional work.
Cillian Murphy, who appeared with Neill in the television drama Peaky Blinders, said he admired and adored him. Murphy remembered Neill as one of the kindest, funniest and gentlest people he had met, as well as an exceptional actor.
Neill played Major Chester Campbell in the hit series, bringing authority and menace to one of its most memorable early antagonists.
Australian actress Magda Szubanski said she was devastated and shocked by the news, particularly because Neill had appeared to be recovering well when they last spoke.
Toni Collette called him a hero, legend, sweetheart and treasured friend, saying he would be deeply missed.
A trusted presence in Australian culture
ABC presenter Leigh Sales remembered Neill as a genuine friend of the national broadcaster and the broader Australian arts community.
Sales said his public personality closely reflected the person he was in private. Audiences often felt as though they knew him personally because he appeared warm, trustworthy and familiar both on screen and through his social-media posts.
Comedian Charlie Pickering, who interviewed Neill for the first episode of The Weekly, described him as the most down-to-earth major star he had encountered.
Pickering recalled that Neill later named one of his ducks after him and occasionally sent videos showing what the animal was doing on the farm.
He said speaking with the internationally famous actor felt more like talking to a sensible and friendly neighbour.
Colleagues remember a versatile performer
Australian Film Critics Association representative Adam Ross described Neill as one of cinema’s most personable and likeable stars.
He highlighted Jurassic Park, Dead Calm and the science-fiction horror film Event Horizon among the actor’s
