Steven Spielberg, Nicole Kidman and Cillian Murphy and more mourn the
death of Sam Neill
[July 14, 2026]
Fellow actors and fans of Sam Neill mourned his passing after the New
Zealand actor died Monday following a diagnosis of a rare type of
non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Neill achieved his highest level of fame in “Jurassic Park” playing
paleontologist Alan Grant, who is summoned to an island off Costa Rica
where a theme park has been built to house herds of cloned dinosaurs. He
co-starred alongside Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Richard Attenborough.
Neill earned an Emmy nomination for his performance in the title role of
the 1998 miniseries “Merlin” and another as narrator of 2017’s “Wild New
Zealand.” Neill also earned three Golden Globe nods — for “Merlin,” “One
Against the Wind” and “Reilly: Ace of Spies.”
Some notable reactions:
Steven Spielberg
“Sam was exceptionally collaborative. 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. 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.”
— in a statement.
Laura Dern, actor
“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.” — via Instagram.
Richard E. Grant, actor
“Knew @samneilltheprop for 3 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 … Sail on,
kind Sir. — via Instagram.
Cillian Murphy, actor
“Like everyone who knew and worked with Sam, I admired him and adored
him in equal measure. He was one of the kindest, funniest and gentlest
people, and one of the finest actors … RIP.” — in a statement.
Nicole Kidman, actor
“Sam was one of the greats, a joy to be around,” she said. “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.” — in a statement to the
Sydney Morning Herald.
Billy Zane, actor
“I’m deeply saddened by the untimely loss of my dear friend, @samneilltheprop.
We first crossed paths years ago through our work, but what I came to
treasure most was the man himself—funny, endlessly curious, wickedly
intelligent, generous, and always able to make you feel at ease. ... He
carried himself with grace, humility, and a wonderfully mischievous
sense of humor that made every conversation a pleasure. ... Rest
peacefully, Sam. You’ll be missed more than words can say.” — via
Instagram.
Colin Trevorrow, director
“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 tranquility, 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.” — via
Instagram.
Christopher Luxon, prime minister of New Zealand
“Sir Sam Neill was one of the greats. He started out when there was
barely a film industry in this country to speak of. 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.” — via X.
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Actor Sam Neill poses at the premiere of "Hunt for the Wilderpeople"
during the 2016 Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 22, 2016, in Park
City, Utah. (Photo by Danny Moloshok/Invision/AP, File)
 Jacinda Ardern, former prime
minister of New Zealand
"It was just a few weeks ago that I had the profound joy of sitting
with Sam Neill, talking about life, politics, and home. He was such
a thoughtful, curious, and decent person. Someone who was
principled, unafraid of speaking his mind, and willing to take up a
fight when he saw injustice. ... We’ve lost another incredible kiwi,
and I feel profoundly sad. All my aroha to his whanau and friends.
And to you, Sam, you have our gratitude and admiration. Rest easy.
Moe mai rā" — via Instagram.
Anthony Albanese, prime minister of Australia
“Sam Neill starred in so many beloved Australian stories and he
earned a special place in Australian hearts. Wry and dry, thoughtful
and laconic, Sam fought illness with the same dignity, humour and
conviction that gave strength to his every performance. He will be
much mourned and long remembered. May he rest in peace.” — via X.
Laura Tingle, Australian journalist and Neill’s former partner
“I think Sam Neill was the greatest theatrical creation of little
Nigel Neill, a little boy with a stutter who was sent off to
boarding school at eight years of age and spent his life in flight
ever after that and showing off to make friends in new places. And I
think that the humanity of that is what made him so approachable and
so loved by so many people who saw all his work in television and
movies.” — in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corp.
Sharon Lawrence, actor
“My condolences and appreciation for the immense joy and mastery Sam
Neill brought our industry. Do yourself a favor and find ‘DEAN
SPANLEY’ on a streamer- he’s wonderful and it will soothe someplace
in your spirit that needs it now. — via Instagram.
Joel Tobeck, actor
“This man made me feel like I could fly. Even when I was all over
the place in his presence he made it ok. We loved to talk rugby. RIP
my old mate. Sam Neill, a true gentleman.” — via Instagram.
Rachel Griffiths, actor
“Such a shock — loved by so many — I’ll be cracking two paddocks
tonight,” referring to wine from the actor’s vineyard, via
Instagram.
Kylie Minogue, singer
“Vale Sam,” a Latin term for “farewell” that’s often used in
Australia and New Zealand, via Instagram.
Toni Collette, actor
“I love you, dear Sam. You hero. You legend. You sweetheart. Our
great friend. You are already missed so very much. Continue in peace
wherever you are.” — via Instagram.
Lesley-Ann Brandt, actor
“Sending love and condolences to your family. A remarkable man and
artist. NZ loses a giant and one of its greatest gifts.” — via
Instagram.
Kate Mulvany, actor
“It was the greatest of honours to shout at Sam onscreen and to
laugh ourselves silly offscreen. He was truly the most wondrous
human. Not was. Still is. Will always be. Such is his incredible
legacy of life, art, advocacy and love.” — via Instagram.
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