Sam Neill Remembered by ‘Jurassic World Dominion’ Director Colin Trevorrow, Karl Urban, Alan Cumming and More: ‘His Strength Gave Us All Strength’

“Jurassic World Dominion” director Colin Trevorrow led tributes to Sam Neill following the news that the “Jurassic Park” and “Peaky Blinders” star died on Monday at age 78.

“Sam Neill was a deeply soulful and beautiful man,” 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.”

Neill’s fellow New Zealand actor Karl Urban paid tribute to the actor in the comments section of the family’s Instagram announcement as “an inspiration for many who followed in his trailblazing footsteps. A beautiful man, a national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and the to world. God speed Sam.”

“The Traitors” host Alan Cumming added: “Ahhh Sam, what a glorious beautiful man. You are missed. Sorry to the family for your immense loss.” Pop star Kylie Minogue wrote: “Vale Sam 💔.” Vale is a ternm for farewell or goodbye in Australia.

“Rest in peace to our Jurassic legend, Sam Neill,” Universal Pictures posted on X.

“Muriel’s Wedding” star Rachel Griffiths, who directed Neill in 2019’s “Ride Like a Girl,” wrote: “Such a shock – loved by so many – I’ll be cracking two paddocks tonight,” a reference to Two Paddocks, Neill’s Central Otago winery.

“Knew @samneilltheprop for 3 decades and finally worked with him on PALM BEACH in 2018. An officer and a Gentleman in the truest sense. Guided and helped me through a very difficult time in my Life,” actor Richard E. Grant posted on Instagram.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also paid tribute on social media. “Sir Sam Neill was one of the greats. He started out when there was barely a film industry in this country to speak of. For more than fifty years he took New Zealand stories to the world and his talents helped make our film industry into what it is today – one of our greatest cultural exports,” Luxon wrote. He added, “Sam made us proud to be Kiwis and we couldn’t have been prouder of him.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered his own remembrance. “Wry and dry, thoughtful and laconic, Sam fought illness with the same dignity, humor and conviction that gave strength to his every performance,” Albanese wrote.