Kylie Minogue and Richard E Grant are among the stars paying tribute to Jurassic Park actor Sam Neill following his death aged 78. The Northern Ireland-born New Zealand actor, best known for playing Dr Alan Grant in the blockbuster dinosaur franchise, died in Sydney, Australia, on Monday.
Richard E Grant Leads Tributes
Fellow actor Richard E Grant said in a post on Instagram: "Knew @samneilltheprop for three decades and finally worked with him on Palm Beach in 2018. An officer and a gentleman in the truest sense. Guided and helped me through a very difficult time in my life. Pictured beside producer @deb_bal & @ladyheathermitchell. Sail on, kind Sir."
Singer Kylie Minogue paid tribute, posting "vale Sam" under the announcement of his death on Instagram, while Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley posted a heart emoji.
Colin Trevorrow Remembers His Friend
Colin Trevorrow, who directed Neill in Jurassic World Dominion (2022), added of the actor: "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 tranquillity, 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."
Scottish actor Alan Cumming said of Neill: "Ahhh Sam, what a glorious beautiful man. You are missed. Sorry to the family for your immense loss."
Political Leaders Pay Respects
Christopher Luxon, the prime minister of New Zealand, paid tribute to Neill describing him as "one of the greats" and added that he was instrumental in making the New Zealand film industry "what it is today", calling him "one of our greatest cultural exports". Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said Neill had "earned a special place in Australian hearts".
Family Statement and Health Battle
A statement posted to Instagram by Neill's family following his death read: "It is with immense sadness that the whanau (extended family) of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday July 13, in Sydney, Australia." "Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life."
Neill announced in April 2026 that he was cancer-free after treatment, three years after revealing he was battling a "ferocious" and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. 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. 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."
