Tributes are flooding in for the beloved New Zealand actor Sam Neill who passed away at 78... what is your favourite Sam Neill movie?!
Gunners & Ali - Entertainment News
Tuesday, 14 July 2026 - 4 minutes
There are some actors who become famous... and then there are those rare few who simply become part of our lives.
Irish born New Zealand actor Sam Neill was one of those people and on the 13th of July, he crossed that rainbow bridge at 78.
His family shared the news to his socials, saying... 'It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia. Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life.
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.More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss.
Nigel John Dermot Neill was born in Northern Island in 1947 and moved with his family to New Zealand when he was 7 years old, before residing in Australia in his adult years.
Whether you first met him running from dinosaurs in 'Jurassic Park', in 'The Piano', 'Dead Calm', 'The Dish', or one of the many Australian stories he helped bring to life, there was always something wonderfully familiar about him.
He never chased a celebrity status. In fact, he often said he wasn't interested in being famous. He was far happier at home on his vineyard in New Zealand, surrounded by dogs, ducks, sheep and a good glass of pinot noir, than walking a red carpet.
Today, tributes are pouring in from around the world, but perhaps the greatest tribute is this... so many people felt like they knew him, even though they'd never met him.
Aussie's own Jimmy Barnes shared a beautiful tribute to his dear friend.
Magda Szubanski - whom he named one of his chickens after - shared her sentiments to her dear friend, Sam.
Thank you, Sam Neill... for the stories, the laughter, the quiet wisdom, and for reminding us that sometimes the gentlest people leave the biggest mark.
Source: YouTube: Australian Story | Movie Clips | Instagram:samneilpropguy | Jimmy Barnes | Magda Szubanski
Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/Jurassic Park
