'Love you Sam' – Tributes flow for Kiwi screen legend

Tributes are pouring in from New Zealand and around the world following the death of renowned Kiwi actor Sir Sam Neill at the age of 78.

Sir Sam's whānau announced his death in a statement today, saying he died in Sydney surrounded by family "with the dignity that has characterised his whole life".

"The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free. They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care," his loved ones said in a statement.

"More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss."

‘Immeasurable loss’: Kiwi screen legend Sir Sam Neill has died - watch on TVNZ+

News of the screen legend's death resonated around the world.

Actress Jennifer Ward-Lealand told 1News the movie legend "wasn't an international star who happened to be from here — he was an absolute advocate for our profession, and I think he really understood that with global stardom comes a massive responsibility to look out for the actors coming up behind him".

"If you talk to anybody who worked with Sam, if they're on the crew or on the cast, he treated everyone with the exact same level of respect."

Ward-Lealand said the actor would be remembered for his warmth and wit.

"I remember him as being incredibly humble. I remember him from witty conversation around the dinner table, but also he was a patron for our drama school, the Actors Programme, as well as been a great supporter of Equity New Zealand.

"And just turning up at the school and talking to the students in a very relaxed and open way, not not afraid to take any questions."

She continued: "He proved that you can reach the the absolute top of the world and still stand shoulder to shoulder with your peers.

"Moe mai rā, Sam. You were a wonderful, wonderful beacon of light for New Zealand actors."

Colin Trevorrow, who directed Sir Sam in Jurassic World, remembered him as a "deeply soulful and beautiful man".

"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," he said on social media.

"It’s not every lifetime you get to befriend a legend. Forever grateful."

Kiwi actor and director Madeleine Sami said news of his death was "devastating".

"Love you, Sam," Sami wrote on social media.

Kiwi-Australian actor and television presenter Rebecca Gibney said she was in "utter shock", calling the loss "heartbreaking".

Podcast host Dom Harvey said it was a "sad day for NZ".

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and politicians from across the political spectrum – and around the world – were also mourning the loss.

"Sir Sam Neill was one of the greats," Luxon said.

"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.

"His work will be watched and loved long after all of us. Our thoughts are with his family and friends tonight. Rest in Peace."

Labour leader Chris Hipkins said Sir Sam was "a giant of the screen who took our stories to the world and yet still felt like one of us".

"From Sleeping Dogs and The Piano to Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Sam gave us some of our most cherished moments."

Hipkins added that the actor loved New Zealand and a keen advocate "for its people and places, well beyond his work on film".

"He had a strong sense of social justice and regularly advocated for the underdog.

"Sam made us proud to be Kiwis and we couldn’t have been prouder of him.

"My thoughts are with Sam's family and the countless people he inspired."

Foreign Minister and veteran politician Winston Peters remembered the actor as a "Kiwi icon" that "entertained people around the world over decades".

"Thoughts and prayers are with family and friends at this sad time."

Greens co-leader Chloe Swarbrick added: "Moe mai rā e te legend."

Meanwhile, Australian PM Anthony Albanese said, "Sam fought illness with the same dignity, humour and conviction that gave strength to his every performance.

"He will be much mourned and long remembered."

He added: "Sam Neill starred in so many beloved Australian stories and he earned a special place in Australian hearts."

The actor wasn't just a once-in-a-generation talent but a keen conservationist.

In December, Sir Sam spoke out against a controversial Santana Minerals open-cast mine planned near Cromwell, in Central Otago.

The Department of Conservation paid tribute to Sir Sam as a "legendary Kiwi".

"Known globally for his talent on the screen, back home, he was a fierce and passionate champion for our environment," the statement read.

"Whether it was advocating for our native species, supporting local conservation projects, or simply sharing his deep love for our unique landscapes, Sam walked the talk. He understood that our nature isn't just something to look at, it’s something we must cherish and protect.

"His warmth, wit, and unwavering voice for the wild will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his whānau, friends, and everyone who knew him.

"Moe mai rā."

Sir Sam revealed in March 2023 he had been diagnosed with stage three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a blood cancer, and had been undergoing chemotherapy for a year. He said at the time the cancer was in remission.

Born Nigel John Dermot Neill in Northern Ireland in 1947, he moved with his family to Christchurch in 1954 and adopted the name Sam at school.

His breakout role came in Roger Donaldson's 1977 film Sleeping Dogs, before international success in My Brilliant Career and Reilly, Ace of Spies, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

He was best known as palaeontologist Dr Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg's 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park, which he reprised in Jurassic Park III and Jurassic World Dominion. He also starred in Jane Campion's The Piano and Taika Waititi's Hunt for the Wilderpeople.

Sir Sam was appointed a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2007 and accepted redesignation as a knight in 2022, having earlier declined the title as "just far too grand, by far".

He lived in Alexandra, where he owned the Two Paddocks winery, and leaves behind four children and eight grandchildren.