Steven Spielberg pays emotional tribute to Sam Neill: 'Will never be forgotten'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Filmmaker Steven Spielberg paid tribute to actor Sam Neill, best known for playing Dr. Alan Grant in 1993's 'Jurassic Park', following the actor's death at age 78.
He also starred in 'The Hunt for Red October' and 'The Piano', and appeared in television series including 'The Tudors' and 'Peaky Blinders'. His family confirmed his death in a statement shared on Monday, July 13, following his passing in Sydney, Australia.
Steven Spielberg remembers Sam Neill and their Jurassic Park legacy
Spielberg reflected on working with Neill and the journey that led to casting him as Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park. In his tribute, Spielberg credited several filmmakers for first bringing Neill’s talent to his attention.
He said, “I owe a debt of gratitude to Roger Donaldson, Gilliam Armstrong, Graham Baker, and Phillip Noyce for casting Sam Neill in the roles in which he was so brilliant that brought him to my attention and led to his playing Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park.”
Spielberg described Neill as “exceptionally collaborative” and noted that one aspect of the role required him to portray a personality unlike his own.
He further noted, “Sam was exceptionally collaborative. 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.”
The director also looked back fondly on making the 'Jurassic' films alongside Neill and his co-stars, “I adored making all the Jurassic movies with him. 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’s family shares statement as his career is remembered
In a statement shared on Instagram on Monday, July 13, Neill’s family announced that his death was unexpected. “It is with immense sadness that the whānau [extended family] of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday, 13th July, in Sydney, Australia,” the statement began.
“Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterized his whole life,” the statement continued, “The loss was sudden and unexpected, but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free."
It further said, "They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care. 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.”
Neill began acting during his college years and graduated from Wellington’s Victoria University with a degree in English. His earliest professional roles came in New Zealand productions before his breakthrough arrived in 1977 with 'Sleeping Dogs.'
The film marked a milestone not only for Neill but also for New Zealand’s film industry, becoming the first local production to receive international attention. His biggest role came with 'Jurassic Park,' where he won the lead role over actor Harrison Ford.
