Steven Spielberg, Nicole Kidman, Cillian Murphy mourn Sam Neill
Actors and fans, including Steven Spielberg, Nicole Kidman, and Cillian Murphy, are mourning the death of Sir Sam Neill at age 78. Neill was best known for his role as Alan Grant in "Jurassic Park" and received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations throughout his career.
Why it matters
This article commemorates the life and career of a respected actor, highlighting his impact on the film industry and the personal tributes from his colleagues, reflecting on his legacy.
<p>Fellow actors and fans of Sir Sam Neill <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/07/13/kiwi-screen-legend-sir-sam-neill-dies-aged-78/" target="_blank">mourned his passing</a> after the actor died Monday.</p> <p>Sir Sam achieved his highest level of fame in <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/07/14/sir-sam-neills-greatest-roles-from-sleeping-dogs-to-jurassic-park/" target="_blank">Jurassic Park</a> playing paleontologist Alan Grant, who is summoned to an island off Costa Rica where a theme park has been built to house herds of cloned dinosaurs. He co-starred alongside Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Richard Attenborough.</p> <p>He earned an Emmy nomination for his performance in the title role of the 1998 miniseries Merlin and another as narrator of 2017’s Wild New Zealand. Neill also earned three Golden Globe nods — for Merlin, One Against the Wind and Reilly: Ace of Spies.</p> <p>Some notable reactions:</p> <h3>Steven Spielberg</h3> <p>“Sam was exceptionally collaborative.
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