Richard E. Grant leads tributes to Sam Neill following his death

Sam Neill’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes, with Richard E. Grant leading the first-wave responses from the Australian and international film community. Neill, known for playing Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, died at 78, with family saying the passing on Monday 13 July in Sydney was “sudden and unexpected.” Grant posted a series of photos on Instagram, recalling decades-long friendship and noting he finally worked with Neill on Palm Beach in 2018. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute on X, praising Neill’s “wry and dry” qualities and how he met illness with dignity. The family said Neill remained cancer-free after tests and thanked St Vincent’s Private Hospital, asking for privacy as more details are shared.