'Hero, legend, sweetheart': Tributes to Jurassic Park actor Sam Neill, who has died aged 78

'Hero, legend, sweetheart': Tributes to Jurassic Park actor Sam Neill, who has died aged 78Image source, ReutersImage caption, Neill had been treated for cancer in recent years, but was "cancer free" at the time of his death, his family saidByTinshui YeungPublished13 July 2026, 08:56 BSTUpdated Just nowTributes have been paid to actor Sam Neill, famed for his starring role in Jurassic Park, following his death at the age of 78.The news was announced by his family, external, who said his death in Sydney, Australia, was "sudden and unexpected".Neill played Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park and also appeared in films including The Piano, The Hunt for Red October, Dead Calm and Event Horizon, as well as BBC TV drama Peaky Blinders.New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described him as, external "one of the greats", while Australian actress Toni Collette wrote, external: "I love you, dear Sam. You hero. You legend. You sweetheart. Our great friend. You are already missed so very much."Sam Neill: His best-known roles in picturesPublished2 hours agoNeill, who was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in New Zealand, died "surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life", a statement said.In March 2023, Sir Sam revealed he had been undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.He later said the disease was in remission but he would require monthly chemotherapy for the rest of his life.In April 2026, Neill said a scan showed no cancer in his body, and his family's statement on Monday said he "remained cancer free" at the time of his death.The statement thanked hospital staff and added: "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."To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your br...