Celebrities mourn Sam Neill's passing

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Celebrities mourn Sam Neill's passing

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Writer: Heidi Hsia

Sam Neill's family announced his sudden and unexpected passing in Sydney

14 Jul - Celebrities recently took to social media to mourn the loss of New Zealand actor Sam Neill, who passed away on 13 July.

Cillian Murphy, who co-starred with Neill in "Peaky Blinders," expressed his sadness over news of the passing, writing, "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."

Cillian and Sam Neill worked together on "Peaky Blinders"

Steven Spielberg, who directed Neill on "Jurassic Park," shared with the media that he "adored" making the franchise with Neill, who he described as "exceptionally collaborative".

"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," he said.

Meanwhile, co-star Jeff Goldblum posted on Instagram several photos of him and Neill from the movie, and wrote, "The next great adventure begins. Love, always and forever."

Jeff Goldblum and Sam Neill worked together on Spielberg's "Jurassic Park"

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expressed, "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. He was also an artist, and anyone who watched him perform knew he was someone special... We've lost another incredible kiwi, and I feel profoundly sad."

As for Toni Collette, the Australian actress posted, "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."

Toni Collette shares a never-before-seen photo with Sam Neill

Sam Neill's passing was announced by his family, who said his death in Sydney, Australia, was "sudden and unexpected". Prior to his passing, Neill revealed that he remained cancer free following a battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

He was 78.

Cinema Online, 14 July 2026

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