‘A true gentleman’: Actors, directors and leaders pay tribute to Sam Neill | Sam Neill

Friends, peers and fans of Sam Neill were quick to pay tribute to the actor, following his sudden death on Monday at the age of 78.

Steven Spielberg, who directed Neal in Jurassic Park, said he was “saddened” to hear of Neal’s death. “Sam was exceptionally helpful,” he added. “It was difficult for him to play a character who acted as if the children were messy and smelly because that was the opposite of a father who loved his children.”

Jurassic Park co-star Laura Dern described Neil as a “beloved lifelong friend.” “He showed me the depths of loyalty, protection and love always with the utmost intelligence. He was a true and gentleman, indulging my dream as a leading man. I will love you forever, Dr. Alan Grant,” she said.

Nicole Kidman, who starred with Neil in 1989’s Dead Calm, said in a statement the Kiwi actor was “one of the greats” and “a pleasure to be around”. “He was charming, kind, funny and smart. He will be greatly missed and my heart goes out to his family.”

Toni Collette, Neil’s co-star in A Long Way Down and Australian crime film Dirty Deeds, described him as a “hero”, a “legend” and a “sweetheart”. “Our great friend. We have missed you so much already. Keep the peace wherever you are,” she wrote.

Cillian Murphy, who starred alongside the actor in Peaky Blinders, told Variety: “Like everyone who knew and worked with Sam, I admired and adored him in equal measure. He was one of the kindest, funniest, kindest people, and one of the finest actors… Rest in peace.”

Australian director Philip Noyce, who directed Neill in Dead Calm, told The Guardian: “Sam was probably the most polite actor I ever met. He was level-headed and honest in the world of show business full of crazy egos. His word was his contract.”

Noyce added: “In a strange way, Sam was responsible for my long Hollywood career. When there were rumors that George Miller might secretly direct Dead Calm, Sam confirmed to the American producer, Mace Neufeld, that I was indeed the director – and Mace then signed me to direct Harrison Ford in Patriot Games.”

Jurassic World Dominion director Colin Trevorrow described Neil as a “beautiful, very passionate man” who supported him through difficult times. He added: “I will remember him for his calmness, his love of wine, and the quiet reassurance he brought to his characters.”

Richard E. Grant, Neil’s friend of more than three decades and who starred alongside him in the 2019 film Palm Beach, described him as “an officer and a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He guided and helped me through a very difficult period in my life.”

Alan Cumming described him as a “beautiful and glorious man”, while Kylie Minogue wrote: “Vale Sam 💔”, a Latin term for farewell or farewell used in Australia.

Cary Elwes described Neil as “kind, wise, compassionate, giving, funny and, of course, extremely talented.”

“Rest in peace to our Jurassic legend, Sam Neill,” Universal Pictures wrote on Channel X.

Actress Magda Szubanski, a friend whom Neil named one of his ducks, said she was “completely shocked” by his death.

“When I spoke to him not long ago, he was cancer-free and very happy and excited about life, so this is devastating,” she said. “It was just a one-time thing. He was just a talented, classy, ​​beautiful, sarcastic, warm human being.”

Actor David Wenham said that “apart from being an all-round global legend”, Neil was “the kindest, most generous and supportive friend”.

Australian journalist Laura Tingle, with whom Neil had a relationship, posted pictures of them together on Instagram and wrote: “Sweet dreams, my dear Sam.”

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Neil was one of the greats.

“It started when there was no film industry in this country to speak of,” Luxon said in a social media post. “For more than 50 years, he has taken New Zealand’s stories to the world and his talents have helped make our film industry into what it is today – one of our greatest cultural exports. His work will be seen and loved long after us all.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the actor, writing on the

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a Facebook post that she spent time with Neil just a few weeks ago where they discussed “life, politics and home.” She added: “He was a thoughtful, curious and respectful person. He was a principled person, not afraid to speak his mind, and was willing to put up a fight when he saw injustice. He was also an entertainer, and anyone who watched him perform knew he was special.”

Novelist Cathy Litt said Neil’s unexpected death was heartbreaking: “Sam was not only a wonderful actor but also the most charming, kind, intelligent and deliciously self-deprecating friend. His sarcastic, dry sense of humor and his mischievous twinkle brightened our lives.”

Toa Fraser, the New Zealand-Fijian director who starred in Dean Spanelly’s film, Neil, said: “Sam stood up for me and so many of us from the beginning. He changed my life through his example and his actions… It’s one of the things I regret the most when he came up to me on the set of Dean Spanaley (more than once) and said, ‘Do you want to come to dinner?’ I said no. I had homework to do.”

“Well, I’ll offer him a glass of Hungarian Tokay this evening, and perhaps a glass of Pinot in the Burgundian tradition for him and his mentor James Mason as well.”

Many New Zealand cultural figures have paid tribute to Neil. Film producer Chelsea Winstanley remembers Neil as “an amazing human being who fought to the end, for They moaned [land]”for the screen.”

“Mihi survived [thank you] Sam for everything you gave to the screen industry, you will be missed. Your fight to save They moaned [land] of extraction and exploitation will continue… What a time you all have spent shaping the industry we love, thank you.”

Actor Joel Tobek, who starred alongside Neill in the 2003 film Perfect Strangers, wrote on Instagram: “This guy made me feel like I could fly. Even when I was all over the place in his presence, it was okay. We loved talking rugby. Rest in peace my old friend. Sam Neill, a true gentleman.”

Rhys Darby, fellow Kiwi and star of HBO’s Flight of the Conchords, wrote: “A truly great human being, a legend and an inspiration to everyone even outside the art world. We will always love you Sam.”

He praised New Zealand actor Karl Urban, describing Neil as an inspiration to many who followed in his pioneering footsteps. “A beautiful man, a national treasure who did so much for New Zealand and the world. May God have mercy on Sam.”

Outside of his acting work, Neil was a passionate environmental activist who campaigned for various causes including marine conservation and against mining proposals in New Zealand. After his death, New Zealand’s Department of Conservation described Neil as a “legendary kiwi” and a “fierce and passionate champion of our environment”.

“Whether he was advocating for our native species, supporting local conservation projects, or simply sharing his deep love for our unique landscape, Sam got the conversation going. He understood that our nature is not just something to be looked at, but something to be cherished and protected. We will sorely miss his warmth, intelligence, and unwavering voice for wildlife.”