Sam Neill is being remembered across the film and television world after his family announced his “sudden and unexpected” death. The actor, best known internationally for Jurassic Park and more recently Peaky Blinders, prompted tributes from major collaborators and public figures who described him as kind, witty and deeply respected. The reaction matters because it reflects both the scale of Neill’s career and the affection he inspired across several generations of screen work.

His family said he died “with the dignity that has characterised his whole life”, and the announcement was shared on his Instagram profile. Steven Spielberg praised Neill’s collaboration and said he would never be forgotten by the Jurassic Park team or fans worldwide, while Laura Dern, Annette Bening, Nicole Kidman and Cillian Murphy all highlighted his warmth and generosity as well as his talent. The article notes Neill was 78, and Bening also recalled that he had been receiving treatment for lymphoma while working on Apples Never Fall.