Sam Neill was taken to hospital in Sydney, Australia, on Monday (13.07.26), where he died “suddenly” and “unexpectedly”, according to a statement from his family published on his Instagram page.
Richard E. Grant has led tributes to Sam Neill after the actor’s tragic death aged 78.
Sam was taken to hospital in Sydney, Australia, on Monday (13.07.26), where he died “suddenly” and “unexpectedly”, according to a statement from his family published on his Instagram page.
Following news of the actor’s untimely passing, his Hollywood friends flocked to social media to share tributes to the Jurassic Park star, with Richard leading the way.
Sharing a series of photos of Neill on his Instagram page, Richard wrote: “Knew @samneilltheprop for 3 decades and finally worked with him on PALM BEACH in 2018.
“An officer and a Gentleman in the truest sense.”
Richard also thanked Sam for “guiding” and helping him “through a very difficult time in my life”, possibly referring to the death of his wife Joan in 2021.
He concluded his post: “Sail on, kind Sir.”
Alan Cumming commented on the post on Sam’s Instagram page, sharing the news of his death, writing: “Ahhh Sam, what a glorious beautiful man. You are missed. Sorry to the family for your immense loss.”
While Colin Trevorrow, who directed Sam in 2022 film Jurassic World: Dominion, shared a snap of the late star in the movie, and wrote: “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.”
Sam was born in Northern Ireland before emigrating to New Zealand at the age of seven. He was considered an honorary Australian by people in the country, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese writing on X: “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. May he rest in peace.”
Director Phillip Noyce, who directed the 1989 thriller Dead Calm, in which Sam appeared alongside Nicole Kidman, told The Guardian: “Sam was perhaps the most gentlemanly actor I ever encountered. Level-headed and sincere in a show business world of crazy egos. His word was his contract.
“In a strange way Sam was responsible for my long career in Hollywood. When there were rumours that George Miller might have secretly directed Dead Calm, Sam assured the American producer, Mace Neufeld , that I was indeed the director – and Mace then signed me to direct Harrison Ford in Patriot Games.”
Richard E. Grant leads tributes to ‘gentleman’ Sam Neill
