Sam Neill‘s friends and colleagues are paying tribute to the beloved actor after news of his death sent shockwaves through Hollywood on Monday.
The New Zealand actor, whose decades-long career spanned everything from blockbuster franchises like “Jurassic Park” to acclaimed television dramas like “Peaky Blinders,” was remembered by those who knew him best as not only a gifted performer, but a kind, generous and deeply beloved friend.
From former co-stars to longtime collaborators, celebrities took to social media to honor Neill’s life, sharing heartfelt memories and reflecting on the lasting impact he had both on and offscreen.
NEW ZEALAND ACTOR SAM NEILL DIES AT AGE 78 AFTER CANCER RECOVERY, FAMILY SAYS
Nicole Kidman, who starred alongside Neill in the 1989 thriller “Dead Calm,” said she was “immensely saddened” by the news.
“Sam was one of the greats, a joy to be around,” Kidman said 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. He was charming, kind, funny and intelligent. He will be greatly missed, and my heart goes out to his family.”
Neill’s “A Long Way Down” and “Dirty Deeds” co-star Toni Collette shared an emotional tribute on Instagram.
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“My friend Sam left us this morning. Yes, he was an incredible actor. But he was also the most beautiful, decent gentleman. A big hearted king with a dry, hilarious wit. I feel so lucky to have known him,” she wrote on her Instagram Stories. “When I think of Sam I always see him giggling. It is a terribly sad day. Rest in peace, dear Sam.”
Collette also shared a throwback photo of the pair, writing, “I love you, dear Sam. You hero. You legend. You sweetheart. Our great friend. You are already missed so very much. Continue in peace wherever you are.”
Richard E. Grant posted a series of photos with Neill while reflecting on their decades-long friendship.
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“Knew @samneilltheprop for 3 decades and finally worked with him on Palm Beach in 2018. An officer and a Gentleman in the truest sense. Guided and helped me through a very difficult time in my Life,” Grant captioned the post. “Sail on, kind Sir.”
“Peaky Blinders” star Cillian Murphy remembered Neill in a statement to Variety.
“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.”
In addition to individual tributes, actors and friends flooded the comments section of the Instagram post announcing Neill’s death with messages of remembrance.
Joe Cole, Neill’s “Peaky Blinders” co-star, wrote, “Rest in peace big dog.”
Fellow New Zealand actor Karl Urban described Neill as “an inspiration for many who followed in his trailblazing footsteps. A beautiful man, a national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and to the world. God speed Sam.”
Luke Hemsworth added, “Farewell Sam! Thank you so much for everything you gave in your life and career. Your humor your heart and your wisdom. You were loved and You will be missed. Condolences to all of the whānau.”
Kylie Minogue simply wrote, “Vale Sam,” using the Latin word for “farewell.”
Alan Cumming commented, “Ahhh Sam, what a glorious beautiful man. You are missed. Sorry to the family for your immense loss.”
Sebastian Roché also reflected on working with Neill, writing, “Such sad news. I worked with Sam on Merlin and not only was he a brilliant actor, but he was such a wonderful person as well. Thank you for kindness and humour fabulous Sam.”
Neill died suddenly at age 78 on Monday after he recovered from cancer, his family announced.
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Neill was surrounded by family when he passed away.
“It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia,” his family said in a statement shared on Neill’s Instagram page.
“The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free,” his family added.
Neill “passed with the dignity that has characterized his whole life,” his family said.
The “Jurassic Park” star announced in April that he was cancer-free after undergoing treatment for stage 3 blood cancer.
