Celebrities are mourning the loss of Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders star Sam Neill.
Neill’s family announced on Monday, July 13, that he died unexpectedly at age 78. They promised “more details will be shared later,” asking for privacy as they navigate the loss.
“It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia,” the statement read, using the Māori word for family. “Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterized his whole life.”
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.”
Neill announced in his 2023 memoir that he had been diagnosed with stage III angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. He was put on an anti-cancer drug after chemotherapy failed and eventually went into remission. However, doctors told Neill that the drug would stop working at some point in his life.
Aside from his iconic role as Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park films, Neill was known for playing Chief Inspector Chester Campbell in the first two seasons of Peaky Blinders.
“We are devastated to hear that Sam Neill has died. Sam’s portrayal of Chester Campbell is one for the ages,” the official Peaky Blinders Instagram account shared on Monday. “A villain who is despicable, petty, manipulative, but also charismatic, vulnerable, funny, and supremely entertaining to watch.”
The statement added, “Sam was one of the key forces that got Peaky Blinders off to a running start, for which we will be forever grateful. Our love and thoughts are with his family.”
Keep scrolling to see which stars have spoken out in the wake of Neill’s death:
Toni Collette
“I love you, dear Sam. You hero. You legend. You sweetheart. Our great friend,” the actress wrote on Monday. “You are already missed so very much. Continue in peace wherever you are.”
Henry Golding
The actor commented on Neill’s Instagram post with a reaction to the news, writing, “Ah man … Love you Sam xxx.”
Kylie Minogue
“Vale Sam,” she wrote alongside a broken heart emoji, adding a Latin word for goodbye used in Australia.
Karl Urban
The Boys star commented on Neill’s death announcement with a sweet tribute.
“Heartfelt condolences to your whānau,” he wrote. “Sam was truly brilliant. An inspiration for many who followed in his trailblazing footsteps. A beautiful man, A national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and the to world [sic]. God speed Sam.”
Finn Cole
The British actor shared several tributes via his Instagram Stories, including an image of Neill in Peaky Blinders.
“Rest easy, Sam. 1947-2026,” the actor wrote, alongside a dove and glass of wine emoji.
Joe Cole
The Peaky Blinders alum shared a photo of Neill via his Instagram Stories.
“Rest in peace big dog,” the actor wrote alongside a green heart.
Paul Anderson
The actor shared a photo of himself alongside Neill from Peaky Blinders with a white heart emoji.
Sebastian Roché
“Such sad news. I worked with Sam on Merlin and not only was he a brilliant actor but he was such a wonderful person as well,” the actor shared. “Thank you for [your] kindness and humour fabulous Sam.”
Lesley-Ann Brandt
“Sending love and condolences to your family,” the Lucifer alum wrote. “A remarkable man and artist. NZ loses a giant and one of its greatest gifts. Rest in Peace Sam.”
