On Monday, Cillian Murphy, Nicole Kidman and Jurassic World Dominion director Colin Trevorrow paid tribute to Sam Neill following news that the Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders star had passed away at the age of 78.
Murphy, who co-starred with Neil in the first two seasons of Netflix’s Peaky Blinders, said in a statement to Variety: “Like everyone who knew and worked with Sam, I admired him and had the same respect for him. He was one of the kindest, funniest, gentlest people, and one of the greatest actors…”
RIP. ”
Kidman, who played Neil’s wife in the 1989 psychological thriller Dead Calm, said she was “deeply saddened” by Neil’s death. “Sam was one of the greats and a pleasure to be around,” she said in a statement to The Sydney Morning Herald. “We met when we were just 18 and he took me under his wing and remained a lifelong friend. He was a charming, kind, funny and intelligent man. He will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to his family.”
“Sam Neill was such a soulful and beautiful man,” Trevorrow wrote on Instagram. “He was a friend and ally during difficult times, and his strength gave us all strength. I will never forget his serenity, his love of wine, and the calm sense of security he brought to his characters. It’s not every time in your life that you get to be friends with a legend, and I will be forever grateful.”
Neil also appeared on Peaky Blinders’ official Instagram account. The post read: “Shocked to hear of Sam Neill’s passing.” “Sam’s portrayal of Chester Campbell is timeless. Despicable, sneaky, manipulative, yet charismatic, vulnerable, funny and a super fun villain to watch. Sam was one of the key forces that got Peaky Blinders off the ground and we will forever be grateful for that. Our love and thoughts are with his family.”
Toni Collette, who co-starred with Neil in the 2002 film Dirty Deeds, shared a sweet selfie of the pair on Instagram with the caption: “We love you, dear Sam. You are a hero. You are a legend. You are a lover. Our great friend. You are sorely missed already. Rest in peace wherever you are.”
Neil’s fellow New Zealand actor Karl Urban paid tribute to Neil in the comments section of the family’s Instagram announcement, writing: “An inspiration to so many who followed in his pioneering footsteps. A beautiful man and a national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and the world. Godspeed Sam.”
The Traitors host Alan Cumming added: “Oh Sam, what an amazing, beautiful person. We will miss you so much. I’m so sorry to your family for your great loss.” Pop star Kylie Minogue wrote: “Vail Sam 💔.” Veil is an Australian word that means goodbye.
Universal Pictures posted on X: “Rest in peace to Jurassic Legend Sam Neill.”
Muriel’s Wedding star Rachel Griffiths, who directed Neil in the 2019 film Ride Like a Girl, wrote in reference to Two Paddocks, Neil’s Central Otago winery, “I’m so shocked – so loved by so many – I’m going to crack two paddocks tonight.”
“I’ve known @samneilltheprop for 30 years and finally worked with him on 2018’s ‘Palm Beach.’ He was an officer and a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He guided and helped me through some very difficult times in my life,” actor Richard E. Grant posted on Instagram.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also paid his respects on social media. “Sir Sam Neill is one of the greats. He started his business at a time when this country had little film industry to speak of. For more than 50 years, he told New Zealand’s stories to the world and his talents helped make our film industry what it is today – one of our greatest cultural exports,” Luxon wrote. She added: “Sam has made us proud to be New Zealanders and we couldn’t be more proud of him.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered his own condolences. “Acerbic and dry, thoughtful and concise, Sam fought his illness with the same dignity, humor and conviction that gave strength to all of his performances,” Albanese wrote.
