Tributes pour in for Sam Neill following his sudden death at 78
Tributes have been pouring in from across the film industry and beyond following the death of Jurassic Park star Sam Neill, who died aged 78.
The New Zealand actor's family announced that he died suddenly and unexpectedly in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by his loved ones.
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They also confirmed that Neill remained cancer-free at the time of his death, following successful treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Neill, best known for playing palaeontologist Dr Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades, with over 150 film and television credits, including The Piano, Dead Calm, The Hunt for Red October and Peaky Blinders.
His former co-stars, directors and friends have paid heartfelt tributes, remembering both his talent and his kindness.
Jurassic Park director Steven Spielberg described Neill as "exceptionally collaborative" and said he would "never be forgotten" by his colleagues or millions of fans.
Laura Dern, who starred alongside him as Dr Ellie Sattler, called him her "beloved lifetime friend", praising his loyalty, humour and generosity.
Fellow Jurassic Park star Jeff Goldblum simply wrote: "The next great adventure begins."
Actress Nicole Kidman, who appeared alongside Neill in Dead Calm, remembered him as "one of the greats", while Toni Collette described him as a "hero, legend and sweetheart".
Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy said Neill was "one of the kindest, funniest and gentlest people" he had ever worked with.
Tributes also came from fellow actors including Richard E. Grant, Russell Crowe, Alan Cumming, Kylie Minogue, Karl Urban, Rhys Darby, Annette Bening and Colin Trevorrow, director of Jurassic World Dominion, who called Neill "a deeply soulful and beautiful man".
Political leaders also honoured the actor's legacy.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon hailed him as "one of the greats", saying his work helped put New Zealand's film industry on the world stage.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Neill's dignity, humour and lasting contribution to Australian cinema, while former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern remembered him as "thoughtful, curious and decent."
Beyond his acting career, Neill was widely respected as an environmental advocate, supporting conservation projects and campaigning to protect New Zealand's natural landscapes.
His family has asked for privacy as they mourn his loss, with further details to be announced in due course.
Neill is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren.