Nicole Kidman, Henry Golding lead tributes to Sam Neill

Sam Neill is being remembered by friends and former co-stars across Hollywood after the Jurassic Park actor died at the age of 78.

Nicole Kidman, Henry Golding, Richard E. Grant, Toni Collette and several other stars paid tribute to the New Zealand actor following his family's announcement that he died unexpectedly on Monday.

Nicole Kidman, Richard E. Grant lead tributes

Kidman, who starred opposite Neill in the 1989 thriller Dead Calm, described him as "one of the greats" and said he remained a lifelong friend after they first met when she was 18.

"He took me under his wing and we stayed friends for life," she said, remembering him as "charming, kind, funny and intelligent."

Richard E. Grant also honoured his longtime friend, writing on Instagram: "An officer and a gentleman in the truest sense. Guided and helped me through a very difficult time in my life. Sail on, kind sir."

Henry Golding, Neill's Assassin Club co-star, posted, "Ah man... Love you Sam xx," while Kylie Minogue bid him farewell with the message, "Vale Sam."

Co-stars celebrate Neill's legacy

Karl Urban called Neill "a national treasure" and praised the actor for inspiring generations of New Zealand performers.

Toni Collette shared an emotional tribute, describing Neill as "our great friend," while Rachel Griffiths thanked him for the "characters, chuckles and good company" they shared throughout their collaborations.

Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow also honoured Neill, calling him "a deeply soulful and beautiful man" whose strength inspired those around him.

Universal Pictures paid tribute to its longtime star by sharing images of Neill as Dr. Alan Grant, writing, "Rest in peace to our Jurassic legend, Sam Neill."

Neill's family confirmed he died unexpectedly on July 13. They said the actor, who had undergone treatment for blood cancer in recent years, was cancer-free at the time of his death.