Kylie Minogue and Richard E Grant among stars paying tribute to Sam Neill
By Casey Cooper-Fiske and Pierra Willix, Press Association Senior Entertainment Reporters
Australian singer Kylie Minogue and British actor 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.
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.
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.”
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s global affairs editor Laura Tingle – who was in a relationship with Neill from 2018 until 2021 – also paid tribute to her former partner.
Sharing a series of photos and videos of them together on Instagram, she captioned the post: “Sweet dreams darling Sam.”
Joe Cole, Neill’s co-star in Peaky Blinders, posted on Instagram: “Rest in peace big dog.”
Author Kathy Lette remembered Neill as “not just a wonderful actor but also the most charming, kind, intelligent and deliciously self-deprecating friend”.
She added: “His wry, dry humour & mischievous twinkle lit up our lives.”
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Fellow New Zealand actor Karl Urban – best known for starring in The Boys – called Neill “an inspiration for many who followed in his trailblazing footsteps”. “A beautiful man, a national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand to the world”.
Cary Elwes remembered the “great privilege of working with Sam in India many moons ago”, adding: “He was everything you hoped he would be. Beautiful in every way possible. Gentle, wise, compassionate, giving, funny and of course immensely talented. A great raconteur who had that twinkle in his eye that told you he knew the secret of the universe. In other words a genuine sweetheart.
“Those of us who were fortunate to share time with him on this planet are better for it. We send our deepest, deepest condolences to his children, family, friends and fans of which I will always be one. God speed, Sam. May angels guide you on your journey…”
Toni Collette – who starred with Neill in two films – called him a “hero, legend, sweetheart and great friend”. She added: “You are already missed so very much. Continue in peace wherever you are.”
Referencing Neill’s winery, Rachel Griffiths said she would be “cracking Two Paddocks tonight” in honour of the actor.
Australian actress Teresa Palmer – who starred with Neill in the 2019 film Ride Like A Girl – said she was “shattered” hearing the news of his death.
Posting a photo of them together on set on Instagram, she wrote: “Beautiful Sam… you made me laugh harder than just about anyone. I loved every story you told- especially about your pig and your farm, and the incredible adventures you’d somehow always find yourself on. You squeezed every bit out of life and knew how to truly LIVE it, always with that cheeky grin.
“Thank you for always calling me “kiddo.” Despite having five of my own kiddos, it always made me feel so young. What a joy it was to get to pretend to be your kid on screen.
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“This is such a heartbreaking loss for our film industry, for your family, your friends, and everyone whose life you touched – all the countless people across the globe that you made an imprint on. Sending so much love to everyone who knew and loved you. Rest easy, beautiful soul.”
Daisy Ridley, who is set to star alongside Neill in the not-yet-released film The Last Resort, shared a photo of herself with Neill on Instagram alongside several broken heart emojis.
Meanwhile actress and comedian Magda Szubanski – who Neill once named one of his pet ducks after – said he was an “exceptional man – talented, kind, classy, wryly hilarious and loving”.
She added: “God bless you my darling and may flights of angels carry you to those happy paddocks beyond the sky where there will be endless supplies of excellent wine and great company and animals gamboling happily. All my love, Magda.”
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.”
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”.
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.”
