Steven Spielberg. Laura Dern, Cillian Murphy and Nicole Kidman have led the tributes for Sam Neill, the Jurassic Park actor who has died, aged 78.
The film star’s death was announced by his family on Monday (13 July), who called “the loss sudden and unexpected”.
They added that Neill, who was cancer-free after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in March 2022, “was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life”.
Neill had roles in Dead Calm, The Hunt for Red October and Jane Campion's Oscar-winning drama The Piano before starring as Dr Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg's 1993 film Jurassic Park, reprising the role in Jurassic Park III (2001) and Jurassic World Dominion (2022).
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Sam Neill
- Sam Neill has died, aged 78
- Nicole Kidman leads tributes to 'friend for life' Sam Neill
- Family called death 'sudden and unexpected' - statement in full
- Actor was cancer-free when he died four years after diagnosis
- Sam Neill: 'I'm not afraid of dying but it would annoy me'
Sam Neill has died, aged 78
07:29 , Jacob Stolworthy
Sam Neill death: Jurassic Park star dies aged 78
Karl Urban calls Neil 'a national treasure'
19:14 , Kevin Perry
Neill’s fellow New Zealand star Karl Urban replied to the Instagram announcement of his death to say:
“Heartfelt condolences to your whānau. Sam was truly brilliant. An inspiration for many who followed in his trailblazing footsteps. A beautiful man, A national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and the to world. God speed Sam.”
New Zealand Prime Minister salutes 'one of our greatest cultural exports'
18:21 , Kevin Perry
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon wrote on X: “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.”
Cillian Murphy calls Peaky Blinders co-star ‘one of the finest actors’
17:45 , Kevin Perry
Cillian Murphy has joined the chorus of tributes to the late Sam Neill. The two men worked together in Peaky Blinders.
In a statement shared with Deadline, 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.”
Toni Collette says Neill was a 'hero' and a 'legend'
17:10 , Kevin Perry
Toni Collette, who starred alongside Neill in A Long Way Down and Dirty Deeds, shared a candid photo on social media and wrote: “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.”
Laura Dern calls Neill 'a true and noble gentleman'
16:48 , Kevin Perry
Laura Dern has paid tribute to her late Jurassic Park co-star Sam Neill with an emotional statement.
She told People: “Sam was my beloved lifetime friend… 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.”
Steven Spielberg salutes an 'exceptionally collaborative' actor
16:33 , Kevin Perry
Jurassic Park director Steven Spielberg has added his voice to the many tributes to Sam Neill, writing in a social media post:
“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.”
Sam Neill – a life in pictures
15:45 , Jacob Stolworthy
Sam Neill blamed Jurassic Park accent on Steven Spielberg
15:25 , Jacob Stolworthy
When Sam Neill was cast as paleontologist Dr Alan Grant in the 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park, the character was supposed to be American.
But on the first day of shooting, Neill, who had spent a month perfecting the accent, was instructed by Spielberg to ditch it in favour of his own New Zealand voice.
“He came up to me halfway through the day and he said, ‘Hey, Sam, you know the accent we were talking about?’ I said, ‘Yeah, I’ve been working on it for four weeks.…’ He said, ‘Don’t worry about it, just use your own voice,’” Neill told Vanity Fair.
“I said, ‘That’s great, Steven, thank you so much.’ And then four days later, he came up to me and said, ‘You know that voice you’re using now?’ I said, ‘Yeah, my voice?’ He said, ‘Somewhere in between.’
“It’s an actor’s nightmare!” Neill said. “So that’s why I get a lot of flak to this day: Sam Neill’s American accent in Jurassic Park was a load of T-rex poo.”
Nicole Kidman honours 'Dead Calm' co-star
15:08 , Jacob Stolworthy
Nicole Kidman was only 18 when she met Sam Neill, who she says “took me under his wing”. They remained friends for life.
“Sam was one of the greats, a joy to be around,” she said in tribute. “He was charming, kind, funny and intelligent. He will be greatly missed, and my heart goes out to his family.”
They co-starred in the 1994 thriller Dead Calm.
Sam Neill 'would have accepted' Bond role
14:51 , Jacob Stolworthy
Sam Neill’s Bond audition has resurfaced in the wake of his death.
The actor was in the running to replace Roger Moore as 007 – and in his last interview before his death, he said: “I suspect I would have done it – because I was bullied into doing the bloody screen test by my agent, Margaret – God rest her soul.”
He told The Guardian: “I’m also aware that I wouldn’t have enjoyed my life so much if I was an ex-Bond. That’s what people would say when I went for my morning coffee. “Look – it’s what’s-his-name, who used to be James Bond?” “Yeah, he was the one I never really liked.”
Sam Neill’s James Bond audition shows we were robbed of a suave, absolutely dashing 007. He, in fact, has since confessed he didn’t really want the part. “You really don’t want to be the Bond no one likes.” https://t.co/nT0Rk73pYj pic.twitter.com/TQylwTJt3d
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) July 13, 2026
How Sam Neill brought 'Jurassic Park' reaction shot to life
14:30 , Jacob Stolworthy
Sam Neill’s reaction shot to seeing a dinosaur for the first time is one of Spielberg’s greatest film moments.
Neill once recalled about shooting the scene: “Steven said, ‘Look over there and imagine there’s a whole plain of grazing dinosaurs of all different stripes and persuasions – how would you feel about that?’ And I said, ‘Oh s***, I don’t know Steven, I think I’d faint.’ That’s why my knees go in the shot.”
Sam Neill's posthumous film roles
14:23 , Jacob Stolworthy
The actor will appear in two films, posthumously: monster movie sequel Godzilla x Kong: Supernova andThe Last Resort, a romantic comedy starring Daisy Ridley and Alden Ehrenreich. He plays the father of Ridley’s character.
Sam Neill added Aboriginal flag to character's costume
14:14 , Jacob Stolworthy
Sam Neill requested that the Australian flag on his character's uniform in futuristic horror Event Horizon remove the Union Flag from the corner and have it replaced with the Aboriginal flag.
Confirming this detail in 2020, the actor wrote: “This is indeed so. And I wouldn't do it any differently today.”
Cary Elwes says he's 'better' person thanks to Sam Neill
13:54 , Jacob Stolworthy
“I had the great privilege of working with Sam in India many moons ago,” Eles, who starred with Sam Neill in Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book (1994), wrote on Instagram. “He was everything you hoped he would be.
“Beautiful in every way possible. Gentle, wise, compassionate, giving, funny and of course immensely talented. A great raconteur who had that twinkle in his eye that told you he knew the secret of the universe. In other words a genuine sweetheart.
“Those of us who were fortunate to share time with him on this planet are better for it. We send our deepest, deepest condolences to his children, family, friends and fans of which I will always be one. God speed, Sam. May angels guide you on your journey…”
Sam Neill's best hidden gem film?
13:20 , Jacob Stolworthy
A Sam Neill film that not nearly enough people talk about is Wim Wenders’ 1991 science-fiction epic Until the End of the World.
The film, set at the turn of the millennium in the shadow of a world-changing catastrophe, follows a man and woman as they are pursued across the globe, in a plot involving a device that can record visual experiences and visualise dreams.
The 'most extreme' film Sam Neill ever starred in
13:08 , Jacob Stolworthy
According to the actor himself, Neill – who appeared in a variety of horrors during his career – named the 1981 cult film Possession as “the most extreme”, declaring: “I think I only just escaped that film with my sanity barely intact."
The film follows the relationship between an international spy (Neill) and his wife (Isabelle Adjani), who starts exhibiting increasingly disturbing behavior after asking for a divorce.
“He asked of us things I wouldn't and couldn't go to now,” he said of Polish director Andrzej Żuławski.
Toni Collette pays tribute to 'great friend'
12:51 , Jacob Stolworthy
“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.”
Collette and Neill starred in Aussie crime caper Dirty Deeds (2005) and 2014 Nick Hornby A Long Way Down.
BAFTA remembers Sam Neill's 'memorable career spanning over five decades'
12:29 , Lauren Morris
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has paid tribute to Sam Neill, remembering some of his most iconic roles following his death.
The arts association posted on X: “We are saddened to hear that actor Sam Neill has died, aged 78.
“With a memorable career spanning over five decades, Neill gained international attention in 1993 starring in both Jane Campion’s The Piano and Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park.”
We are saddened to hear that actor Sam Neill has died, aged 78. With a memorable career spanning over five decades, Neill gained international attention in 1993 starring in both Jane Campion’s The Piano and Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. pic.twitter.com/uEHRkS0JSG
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) July 13, 2026
Peaky Blinders creators 'devastated' by Sam Neill's death
12:04 , Lauren Morris
The team behind Peaky Blinders has shared a tribute to Sam Neill, who played villain Chester Campbell in the drama.
“We are devastated to hear that Sam Neill has died,” the show’s Instagram account posted.
“Sam’s portrayal of Chester Campbell is one for the ages. A villain who is despicable, petty, manipulative, but also charismatic, vulnerable, funny, and supremely entertainment to watch. 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,” they added.
Sam Neill tearfully revealed lesson he learnt from parents on 'The Assembly'
11:42 , Lauren Morris
Sam Neill became emotional during an episode of Australia’s The Assembly after being asked what the most important lesson that he learnt from his parents was.
The actor took part in the documentary series, which sees a group of people with neurodivergence and learning disabilities ask celebrities hard-hitting questions.
After being asked what the best lesson was in the 2024 episode, Neill said: “Wow, that’s a really interesting question. I think there were...” before stopping to fight back tears. “I don’t know why that question has moved me so much but it has.
“My parents were of a generation that went through a lot of things. They were through the Depression. My mother lost her father in the first war so she grew up without her father. They went through a lot of stuff but they were very stoic people,” he said, before recalling a time when he felt he was going to have a “break down” at university after failing to study for an exam.
“She just looked at me and she said, ‘Well, you’re just going to have to pull yourself together, aren’t you?’ And I think that’s the best lesson I learnt from her.”
Sam Neill's James Bond screen test resurfaces
11:15 , Lauren Morris
The Jurassic Park star’s James Bond audition has resurfaced, with the actor previously revealing that he was in the running to replace Roger Moore as 007.
Thhe part ultimately went to Timothy Dalton in 1986.
Sam Neill’s James Bond audition shows we were robbed of a suave, absolutely dashing 007. He, in fact, has since confessed he didn’t really want the part. “You really don’t want to be the Bond no one likes.” https://t.co/nT0Rk73pYj pic.twitter.com/TQylwTJt3d
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) July 13, 2026
How Jurassic Park made an international star of Sam Neill despite accent woes
10:46 , Lauren Morris
While Sam Neill had been acting solidly for 15 years, appearing in films Sleeping Dogs and Possession, Jurassic Park made him a certified international star.
The New Zealander was cast after director Steven Spielberg blew most of his budget on dinosaur effects and couldn’t afford an A-lister for the role of grumpy paleontologist Dr Alan Grant.
Although the film made over a billion dollars at the box office, Neill later admitted that he received “a lot of flak” for his American accent in the film over the years.
You can read more here.
Jurassic World director: 'Sam Neill's strength gave us all strength'
10:27 , Lauren Morris
Jurassic World director Sam Trevorrow has described Sam Neill as a “deeply soulful and beautiful man” in a heartfelt tribute.
Posting to Instagram, Trevorrow – who worked with Neill on Jurassic World: Dominion – said: “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.”
Sam Neill's co-star Kate Mulvany: 'Love you forever'
09:49 , Lauren Morris
The Twelve’s Kate Mulvany has paid tribute to her co-star in the Australian drama with a heartfelt tribute.
Writing on Instagram, Mulvany wrote: “Vale, dearest Sam,” a Latin term widely-used in Australia that means “farewell”.
“My heartfelt condolences to his beloved family and cherished friends,” she continued. “He not only leaves a legacy of magnificent artistic work, but his advocacy of new cancer treatments and research will help save so many lives. Love you forever, Sir Sam. It was the greatest of honours to be your mate.”
Alan Cumming: 'Sam was a glorious, beautiful man'
09:36 , Lauren Morris
Scottish actor Alan Cumming has sent well wishes to Sam Neill’s family, describing the actor as “a glorious beautiful man”.
“You are missed,” the Tip Toe star wrote on Instagram. “Sorry to the family for your immense loss.”
Kiwi actor Karl Urban on Sam Neill: 'A national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand'
09:26 , Lauren Morris
The Boys star Karl Urban has paid tribute to Sam Neill, calling him “truly brilliant”.
The fellow New Zealander shared his “heartfelt condolences” to Neill’s family on Instagram, adding that he was “an inspiration for many who followed in his trailblazing footsteps”.
“A beautiful man, a national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and the world. God speed Sam.”
Inside Sam Neill's fight to stop local gold mine
09:07 , Lauren Morris
Just months before his death, the Jurassic Park actor was protesting against a mining company’s plans to open a goldmine near his vineyard in Central Otago, New Zealand.
The controversial gold mine divided the local community, with many seeing it as a threat to tourism and native lizards.
“I’m not against mining. I’m against this mine,” Neill said in April. “If this mine goes ahead – and God willing it won’t – everything that you see [there] is under a claim [by the mining company]. And there will be mining all around us, and that’ll be the end.”
'Jurassic World' director pays tribute
08:34 , Jacob Stolworthy
Colin Trevorrow, who directed Sam Neill in 2022 film Jurassic World: Dominion, called the actor “a friend and collaborator at a challenging time”.
“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.”
Our interview with Sam Neill
08:10 , Jacob Stolworthy
Sam Neill displayed mischievous charm when The Independent interviewed him in 2020 during lockdown. Read the full piece here:
Sam Neill: ‘When you become nostalgic for George W Bush, you know the planet’s in trouble’
Sam Neill named his animals after celebrities
07:53 , Jacob Stolworthy
As well as being a film star, Sam Neill owned a farm and vineyard called Two Paddocks in Central Otago, New Zealand – and its residents were named after fellow famous people.
He had pigs called Angelica Huston and Imogen Poots, a rooster named Michael Fassbender and his cow was called Helena Bonham Carter.
He also renamed his bull Graham Norton after initially crowning him James Nesbitt, and named his sheep Susan Sarandon and one of his chickens Meryl Streep.
How Sam Neill became lockdown court jester
07:43 , Jacob Stolworthy
For the amusement of his half a million X/Twitter followers, Sam Neill enjoyed “making an idiot of myself on social media” during the pandemic.
He regularly posted kooky videos, which saw him playing “Uptown Funk” on the ukulele, painting “post-postmodernist” portraits of Stephen Fry, reading Dr Seuss stories, making spoof movie trailers, setting his garden gnome up on a date and showing off his fridge magnet collection;
“People need a bit of cheering up, you know? They’re sort of miserable,” Neill told The Independent in 2020.
Australian PM: 'Sam Neill earned special place in Australian hearts'
07:39 , Jacob Stolworthy
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the tributes for the Jurassic Park actor.
“Sam Neill starred in so many beloved Australian stories and he earned a special place in Australian hearts,” he wrote on X/Twitter.
“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. May he rest in peace.”
Sam Neill said dying would be 'annoying' – not scary
07:37 , Jacob Stolworthy
After being diagnosed with cancer in 2022, Sam Neill declared he wasn’t “afraid to die” – but said it would “annoy him”.
“Because I’d really like another decade or two, you know?” the New Zealand actor told The Guardian.
“We’ve built all these lovely terraces, we’ve got these olive trees and cypresses, and I want to be around to see it all mature. And I’ve got my lovely little grandchildren. I want to see them get big.”
Sam Neill was cancer-free after 2022 diagnosis
07:36 , Jacob Stolworthy
The actor was cancer-free when he died, according to his family.
Neill was diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, in March 2022.
“I was on chemotherapy and the pretty miserable business but it was keeping me alive,” he said. “Then the chemo stopped working. I was at a loss and it looked like I was on the way out, which wasn’t ideal, obviously.”
However, he claimed his condition started to change after he discovered CAR T-cell therapy, which is reportedly a treatment that “genetically modifies patients’ blood cells” and is only being used in clinical trials in Australia.
“I’ve had a scan just now, and there is no cancer in my body. This is an extraordinary thing,” Neill revealed.
'Jurassic Park' star's death called 'sudden and unexpected'
07:30 , Jacob Stolworthy
Sam Neill’s family shared a statement reading: “It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia.”
“Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life. The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free. They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care.
“More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss.”
