Joseph Mazzello, the child star who played Tim Murphy in Steven Spielberg's 1993 dinosaur epic Jurassic Park, has described the death of his co-star Sam Neill as a 'gut punch'. The 42-year-old actor struggled to hold back tears in an Instagram video tribute following news of Neill's passing on Monday at the age of 78.
Mazzello began his tribute by expressing shock, having believed Neill had overcome his health struggles. 'Obviously not what I want to be doing today. I woke up to the news about Sam. I had been following his cancer diagnosis and his recovery and was so happy and thankful when I found out he was cancer-free, so this just comes I think as an extra gut punch, because I thought he was through it – but that is life, isn’t it?' he said.
Emotional Anecdote Reveals Lasting Bond
Mazzello shared a poignant anecdote about a recent interaction with Neill. He recalled posting about attending a movie premiere a few months ago, and Neill commented: 'All the best Joey.' Holding back tears, Mazzello added: 'I didn’t even realise he was following me. I didn’t know that even thought about me any more. But he was rooting for me. He was still rooting for me 33 years later. That was so special to me to know that.'
The actor reflected on how Jurassic Park was a 'defining moment' in his life. Joking about Neill's patience with child actors, he said: 'It’s not easy working with kids and Sam only pretended he hated us. He was actually an amazing scene partner, and it doesn’t feel like that long ago that we were just ad-libbing together and climbing down trees and up fences.' Mazzello added: 'I’m so thankful for him. I’m so thankful that he was so great in that movie, because he made us great too.'
Co-Stars Pay Tribute Across Generations
Ariana Clarice Richards, who played Lex Murphy in the original film, also shared a tribute, calling Neill 'a mentor, protector, and above all, friend.' She wrote: 'Sam – you were more than just a lovely actor to work with – refined, thoughtful, a skill second to none – you were a mentor, protector, and above all, friend. Thank you for making our scenes together feel so real. I will be forever grateful to have been on this journey with you.'
Neill reprised his role as Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park III (2001) and Jurassic World Dominion (2022). Bryce Dallas Howard, his co-star in the latter, paid tribute to his warmth and kindness. 'Sam was exactly who you hoped he’d be. Funny, warm, wickedly self-deprecating, endlessly kind. A beautiful human being who happened to also be Alan Grant,' she said. 'He lit up every room he walked into and made the experience of being human feel dazzling.'
Chris Pratt, who played Owen Grady in the Jurassic World franchise, shared his devastation: 'So devastated to hear the news of Sam’s passing. It was a privilege getting to work with him. All the laughs and memories. I’ll cherish forever. He is a true legend.'
Legacy of a Beloved Actor
Neill's original Jurassic Park co-stars Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum also issued statements. Dern wrote: '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.' Goldblum added: 'The next great adventure begins. Love, always and forever.'
Director Steven Spielberg said in a statement that he 'adored' making the movies with Neill. '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,' he said.
Neill's family announced his death, stating he died 'surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life.' They added that 'the loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free.' Neill had announced in April 2026 that he was cancer-free after treatment for an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
