Actors, directors and public figures have paid tribute to Sam Neill after his family announced that he died on Monday aged 78. The responses portray him not only as a widely admired screen actor but also as a generous colleague, loyal friend and important cultural figure, especially in New Zealand. The breadth of the tributes underlines both his international film legacy and his reputation for kindness and professionalism off screen.

Tributes came from collaborators across several decades of Neill’s career, which spanned more than 100 films. Steven Spielberg, Laura Dern, Nicole Kidman, Jeff Goldblum, Toni Collette, Cillian Murphy, Russell Crowe, Phillip Noyce, Colin Trevorrow and Richard E Grant were among those who praised his warmth, humour and integrity, with several describing him as gentle, collaborative and deeply supportive. Noyce also said Neill had helped shape his own Hollywood career, while the article notes Neill was remembered as a champion of New Zealand’s arts, culture and environment as well as an acclaimed actor.