Sam Neill Dead at 78: Toni Collette, Alan Cumming and More Pay Tribute

Sam Neill, Jurassic Park Actor, Dead at 78

Hollywood is remembering Sam Neill.

After the Jurassic Park actor, who played Dr. Alan Grant in the dinasaur movie franchise, died July 13 at the age of 78, many of his friends and former colleagues shared their memories and reflected on his incredible life and career.

"Sam Neill was a deeply soulful and beautiful man," Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow wrote on Instagram. "He was a friend and collaborator at a challenging time, and his strength gave us all strength. I’ll remember him for his tranquility, his love of wine, and for the calm assuredness he brought to his characters. It’s not every lifetime you get to befriend a legend. Forever grateful."

Toni Collette, who costarred with Neill in Dirty Deeds and A Long Way Down, honored her longtime friend with some touching words.

"I love you, dear Sam," she captioned a throwback selfie on Instagram. "You hero. You legend. You sweetheart. Our great friend. You are already missed so very much. Continue in peace wherever you are."

The Wayward actress continued to reflect on Neill's legacy by resharing some posts about him to her Instagram Stories.

"My friend Sam left us this morning," she wrote. "Yes, he was an incredible actor. But he was also the most beautiful, decent gentleman. A big hearted king with a dry, hilarious wit."

"I feel so lucky to have known him," Collette added. "When I think of Sam I always see him giggling. It is a terribly sad day (heartbroken emoji). Rest in peace, dear Sam."

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Nicole Kidman shared that she was "immensely saddened" by the news.

"Sam was one of the greats, a joy to be around,” she said in a statement to The Sydney Morning Herald. “We met when I was just 18 and he took me under his wing and we stayed friends for life. He was charming, kind, funny and intelligent. He will be greatly missed, and my heart goes out to his family.

Richard E. Grant reflected on his decades-long friendship with Neill that preceded their collaboration onscreen.

"Knew @samneilltheprop for 3 decades and finally worked with him on PALM BEACH in 2018," the Oscar-nominated actor captioned some photos on Instagram. "An officer and a Gentleman in the truest sense. Guided and helped me through a very difficult time in my Life."

He added, "Sail on, kind Sir."

More stars honored Neill's life with heartfelt comments under his family's post announcing his death. (The Peaky Blinders star had previously battled angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, with his loved ones confirming he was cancer free at the time of his “sudden and unexpected” death.)

"Ahhh Sam, what a glorious beautiful man," Alan Cumming wrote. "You are missed. Sorry to the family for your immense loss."

Kylie Minogue commented, "Vale Sam," along with a broken heart emoji.

Meanwhile, fellow New Zealand actor Karl Urban honored the "truly brilliant" Merlin alum.

"An inspiration for many who followed in his trailblazing footsteps," The Boys star commented. "A beautiful man, A national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and the to world. God speed Sam."

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Rachel Griffiths, who worked with Neill on Ride Like a Girl and Bring Him to Me, said, "Such a shock - loved by so many - I’ll be cracking two paddocks tonight."

Keep reading for more about Neill's life and career...