'Hero, legend, sweetheart': Tributes to Jurassic Park actor Sam Neill, who has died aged 78

Image source, Reuters Image caption, Neill had been treated for cancer in recent years, but was "cancer free" at the time of his death, his family said By Tinshui Yeung Published 13 July 2026, 08:56 BST Updated 11 minutes ago Tributes have been paid to actor Sam Neill, famed for his starring role in Jurassic Park, following his death at the age of 78. The news was announced by his family , external , who said his death in Sydney, Australia, was "sudden and unexpected". Neill played Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park and also appeared in films including The Piano, The Hunt for Red October, Dead Calm and Event Horizon, as well as BBC TV drama Peaky Blinders. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described him as , external "one of the greats", while Australian actress Toni Collette wrote , external : "I love you, dear Sam. You hero. You legend. You sweetheart. Our great friend. You are already missed so very much." Sam Neill: His best-known roles in pictures Published 2 hours ago Neill, who was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in New Zealand, died "surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life", a statement said. In March 2023, Sir Sam revealed he had been undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. He later said the disease was in remission but he would require monthly chemotherapy for the rest of his life. In April 2026, Neill said a scan showed no cancer in his body, and his family's statement on Monday said he "remained cancer free" at the time of his death. The statement thanked hospital staff and added: "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." To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Figure caption, Watch: Sam Neill says Jurassic Park success was a 'big surprise' at 1993 premiere In his tribute, Luxon said: "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." Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern wrote , external that Neill was "such a thoughtful, curious, and decent person". "We've lost another incredible kiwi, and I feel profoundly sad," she added. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute , external , writing on X that he "starred in so many beloved Australian stories and he earned a special place in Australian hearts". Australian pop superstar Kylie Minogue responded to the announcement of Neill's death with "Vale [goodbye] Sam" alongside a broken heart emoji. 'Deeply soulful and beautiful man' British actor Richard E Grant wrote , external that he knew his fellow actor for three decades, saying Neill had "guided and helped me through a very difficult time in my life", and describing him as "an officer and a gentleman in the truest