Nicole Kidman and 'Jurassic World' director mourn Sam Neill's death

According to family members, the artist died "suddenly and unexpectedly". In a memoir published in 2023, Neil said he was facing stage three non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, but his family said the actor died cancer-free.

On Instagram, Trevorrow, who worked with Neil on "Jurassic World: Dominion" during the pandemic, said he was a deeply sensitive and beautiful man."

"He was a friend and collaborator in a difficult time, and his strength gave us all strength. I will remember him for his tranquility, his love of wine and the calm and security he brought to his characters. It's not every lifetime that you have the opportunity to be friends with a legend."

Nicole Kidman, who starred with Neill in "Scary", said the actor was "one of the greats and a joy to be around". "We met when I was 18, and he took me in and we became friends for life. He was charming, kind, funny and intelligent."

Toni Collette, actress of "Hereditary" and who starred with Neill in "Dirty Deeds", referred to the actor as a legend. "I love you, dear Sam. You are a hero. A legend. One love. Our great friend. We already miss you. Continue in peace, wherever you are."

Protagonist of the series "The Boys" and colleague of the artist, actor Karl Urban said that Neill was an inspiration to many who followed in his footsteps. "A wonderful man, a national treasure who contributed so much to New Zealand and the world. May God be with you, Sam."

Richard E. Grant, an actor in films including "The Misfits" and a friend of Neill, said the actor was an "officer and a gentleman in the truest sense of the word." "He guided me and helped me get through a very difficult time in my life."

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also paid tribute to the actor on social media. "Sir Sam Neill was one of the greats. He started when there was barely a film industry in the country. For more than fifty years, he has taken New Zealand stories to the world and his talent has helped transform our film industry into what it is today - one of our greatest cultural exports."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that Neill fought his illness "with the same dignity, humor and conviction that gave strength to each of his performances.

The New Zealand conservation department celebrated another aspect of Neill's career - his role as an environmentalist and defender of causes such as marine preservation and the protest against mining in his home country.

"Whether advocating for our native species, supporting local conservation projects, or simply sharing his deep love for our unique landscapes, Sam practiced what he preached. He understood that our nature is not just something to behold, but something we must cherish and protect."

On social media, the official accounts of "Peaky Blinders", the Netflix series in which Neill participated, and Universal Pictures, responsible for the "Jurassic Park" franchise, also mourned the actor's death.