Celebrities are mourning the loss of Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders star Sam Neill.
Neill’s family announced on Monday, July 13, that he died unexpectedly at age 78. They promised “more details will be shared later,” asking for privacy as they navigate the loss.
“It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia,” the statement read, using the Māori word for family. “Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterized his whole life.”
The statement added, “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.”
Neill announced in his 2023 memoir that he had been diagnosed with stage III angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. He was put on an anti-cancer drug after chemotherapy failed and eventually went into remission. However, doctors told Neill that the drug would stop working at some point in his life.
Aside from his iconic role as Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park films, Neill was known for playing Chief Inspector Chester Campbell in the first two seasons of Peaky Blinders.
“We are devastated to hear that Sam Neill has died. Sam’s portrayal of Chester Campbell is one for the ages,” the official Peaky Blinders Instagram account shared on Monday. “A villain who is despicable, petty, manipulative, but also charismatic, vulnerable, funny, and supremely entertaining to watch.”
The statement added, “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.”
Keep scrolling to see which stars have spoken out in the wake of Neill’s death:
Cillian Murphy
The Peaky Blinders star remembered Neill in a statement to Us on Monday.
“Like everyone who knew and worked with Sam, I admired him and adored him in equal measure,” Murphy wrote. “He was one of the kindest, funniest and gentlest people, and one of the finest actors … RIP.”
Laura Dern
“Sam was my beloved lifetime friend,” Dern, who starred alongside Neill in the Jurassic Park films, shared in a statement to Us. “He showed me the depths of loyalty, protectiveness and love always with the driest of wit.”
She continued, “He was a true and noble gentleman, wrapped up in my dream leading man. I will love you forever, Dr. Alan Grant.”
Steven Spielberg
The Jurassic Park director spoke out in a statement to Variety, saying he was “saddened” by the news of Neill’s death.
“Sam was exceptionally collaborative,” he wrote. “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.”
Spielberg added,“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.”
Nicole Kidman
“Sam was one of the greats, a joy to be around,” the actress told The Sydney Morning Herald in a statement. “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.”
Richard E. Grant
The actor reflected on his 30-year friendship with Neill in an Instagram post.
“An officer and a Gentleman in the truest sense. Guided and helped me through a very difficult time in my Life,” he wrote. “Sail on, kind Sir.”
Toni Collette
“I love you, dear Sam. You hero. You legend. You sweetheart. Our great friend,” the actress wrote on Monday. “You are already missed so very much. Continue in peace wherever you are.”
Henry Golding
The actor commented on Neill’s Instagram post with a reaction to the news, writing, “Ah man … Love you Sam xxx.”
Kylie Minogue
“Vale Sam,” she wrote alongside a broken heart emoji, adding a Latin word for goodbye used in Australia.
Karl Urban
The Boys star commented on Neill’s death announcement with a sweet tribute.
“Heartfelt condolences to your whānau,” he wrote. “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 [sic]. God speed Sam.”
Finn Cole
The British actor shared several tributes via his Instagram Stories, including an image of Neill in Peaky Blinders.
“Rest easy, Sam. 1947-2026,” the actor wrote, alongside a dove and glass of wine emoji.
Joe Cole
The Peaky Blinders alum shared a photo of Neill via his Instagram Stories.
“Rest in peace big dog,” the actor wrote alongside a green heart.
Paul Anderson
The actor shared a photo of himself alongside Neill from Peaky Blinders with a white heart emoji.
Sebastian Roché
“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,” the actor shared. “Thank you for [your] kindness and humour fabulous Sam.”
Lesley-Ann Brandt
“Sending love and condolences to your family,” the Lucifer alum wrote. “A remarkable man and artist. NZ loses a giant and one of its greatest gifts. Rest in Peace Sam.”
