Jeff Goldblum has paid tribute to Sam Neill, the acclaimed actor best known for his portrayal of palaeontologist Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, after his death aged 78.
The Northern Ireland-born star, who was born in Omagh before later becoming a New Zealand citizen, passed away on Monday surrounded by his loved ones.
His death came as a shock to many, given that Mr Neill had revealed just three months ago in April 2026 that he was free of cancer following treatment for a rare form of blood cancer diagnosed in 2022.
His family confirmed the news via Instagram, stating that “the loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free.”
Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum both starred in Jurassic Park
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Mr Goldblum led the outpouring of tributes from Hollywood, taking to Instagram to share a collection of photographs from the original 1993 blockbuster featuring himself, Mr Neill and Laura Dern.
Alongside the images, he penned a poignant message: “The next great adventure begins. Love, always and forever.”
The actor also reposted a video showing the trio performing a rendition of the Beatles song Blackbird, with Mr Goldblum on piano while Mr Neill and Ms Dern sang along.
The three stars first appeared together in Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking dinosaur thriller, with Mr Goldblum playing mathematician Ian Malcolm opposite Mr Neill’s Grant and Ms Dern’s palaeobotanist Ellie Sattler.
They reunited on screen for 2022’s Jurassic World Dominion, marking the first time all three had shared scenes since the 1993 original.
Ms Dern, who portrayed Dr Ellie Sattler across multiple films in the franchise, released a heartfelt statement following the news.
“Sam was my beloved lifetime friend… He showed me the depths of loyalty, protectiveness and love always with the driest of wit,” she said.
“He was a true and noble gentleman, wrapped up in my dream leading man. I will love you forever, Dr. Alan Grant.”
Sam Neill was the main man in the Jurassic Park films
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Director Steven Spielberg also paid homage to his leading man through his production company Amblin Entertainment’s Instagram account.
“Sam was exceptionally collaborative,” Mr Spielberg remarked. “It was a stretch for him to play a character who acted as though children were messy and smelly because this was the opposite of the loving father he was to his children.
“I adored making all the Jurassic movies with him.”
The filmmaker added: “Along with Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum, we will always have our Jurassic family and Sam will never be forgotten by us or his many millions of fans around the world.”
Sam Neill died aged 78 on Monday
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GETTYCillian Murphy, who starred alongside Neill in the BBC crime drama Peaky Blinders, offered his own moving tribute to his former colleague.
Mr Neill portrayed the ruthless and corrupt police officer Major Chester Campbell in the show’s opening two series, opposite Mr Murphy’s notorious gang leader Tommy Shelby.
“Like everyone who knew and worked with Sam, I admired him and adored him in equal measure,” Mr Murphy said.
“He was one of the kindest, funniest and gentlest people, and one of the finest actors…RIP.”
Jeff Goldblum paid tribute on social media
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The official Peaky Blinders social media account also honoured the late star, describing him as “one of the key forces that got Peaky Blinders off to a running start, for which we will be forever grateful.”
Mr Neill is survived by four children and eight grandchildren.