Sam Niell (Jurassic Park Franchise) Dies at 78 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 07-13-2026, 07:51 PM

Sam Niell's Jurassic Park Co-Stars Pay Tribute
by Brendan Morrow, USA Today
July 13, 2026

Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum are sharing emotional tributes to their "Jurassic Park" costar Sam Neill.

The actors both honored Neill on July 13 after the actor's family confirmed his "sudden and unexpected" death.

"Sam was my beloved lifetime friend … He showed me the depths of loyalty, protectiveness and love always with the driest of wit," Dern said in a statement shared with USA TODAY.

"He was a true and noble gentleman, wrapped up in my dream leading man. I will love you forever, Dr. Alan Grant."

Goldblum wrote on his Instagram, "The next great adventure begins. Love, always and forever. 🦕💕"

Steven Spielberg also paid tribute in a statement shared with USA TODAY.

"I adored making all the 'Jurassic' movies with him," the filmmaker said. "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."

Chris Pratt, who starred with Neill in "Jurassic World Dominion," wrote in an Instagram story that he was "devastated" to hear of the actor's death.

"It was a privilege getting to work with him," Pratt wrote. "All the laughs and memories, I'll cherish forever. He is a true legend."

BD Wong, who played Dr. Henry Wu, remembered the actor's "unforgettable warmth and wit and ease in any situation."

"He was so funny and warm/quick/wise and just emanated talent and integrity and positive energy," Wong wrote. "I'm telling you, he will be remembered so incredibly fondly and by so many more than just me. He was so generous! He was so happy to be alive, I feel. I guess that’s the takeaway: for the rest of us to try to be as present as often as possible, and happily so, before it’s over."

Neill was best known for playing paleontologist Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg's 1993 blockbuster "Jurassic Park," in which Dern starred as paleobotanist Ellie Sattler and Goldblum played mathematician Ian Malcolm.

Neill's family announced his "sudden and unexpected" death in an Instagram post on July 13.

"It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia," the post said. "Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life."

https://www.usatoday.com/story/enter...e/90898739007/

Dude111 · 07-13-2026, 11:52 PM

Ah this is very sad

07-13-2026, 07:51 PM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,168	Sam Niell (Jurassic Park Franchise) Dies at 78 *Sam Niell's Jurassic Park* Co-Stars Pay Tribute** by Brendan Morrow, USA Today July 13, 2026 Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum are sharing emotional tributes to their "Jurassic Park" costar Sam Neill. The actors both honored Neill on July 13 after the actor's family confirmed his "sudden and unexpected" death. "Sam was my beloved lifetime friend … He showed me the depths of loyalty, protectiveness and love always with the driest of wit," Dern said in a statement shared with USA TODAY. "He was a true and noble gentleman, wrapped up in my dream leading man. I will love you forever, Dr. Alan Grant." Goldblum wrote on his Instagram, "The next great adventure begins. Love, always and forever. 🦕💕" Steven Spielberg also paid tribute in a statement shared with USA TODAY. "I adored making all the 'Jurassic' movies with him," the filmmaker said. "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." Chris Pratt, who starred with Neill in "Jurassic World Dominion," wrote in an Instagram story that he was "devastated" to hear of the actor's death. "It was a privilege getting to work with him," Pratt wrote. "All the laughs and memories, I'll cherish forever. He is a true legend." BD Wong, who played Dr. Henry Wu, remembered the actor's "unforgettable warmth and wit and ease in any situation." "He was so funny and warm/quick/wise and just emanated talent and integrity and positive energy," Wong wrote. "I'm telling you, he will be remembered so incredibly fondly and by so many more than just me. He was so generous! He was so happy to be alive, I feel. I guess that’s the takeaway: for the rest of us to try to be as present as often as possible, and happily so, before it’s over." Neill was best known for playing paleontologist Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg's 1993 blockbuster "Jurassic Park," in which Dern starred as paleobotanist Ellie Sattler and Goldblum played mathematician Ian Malcolm. Neill's family announced his "sudden and unexpected" death in an Instagram post on July 13. "It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia," the post said. "Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life." https://www.usatoday.com/story/enter...e/90898739007/ Attached Images

07-13-2026, 11:52 PM	#2
Dude111 Forum Legend Join Date: Nov 05, 2013 Posts: 36,653	Ah this is very sad