Cillian Murphy pays emotional tribute to co-star Sam Neill

• Actor Cillian Murphy paid tribute to his late Peaky Blinders co-star Sam Neill.
• Neill passed away unexpectedly at the age of 78 in Sydney, Australia.
• The two actors worked together during the first two seasons of the drama.

Actor Cillian Murphy paid tribute to his late Peaky Blinders co-star Sam Neill following his sudden death in Sydney, Australia, on Monday, 13 July 2026. The Irish performer expressed deep admiration for his former colleague, who passed away at the age of 78 surrounded by his family.

Page Six reported that Murphy described Neill as one of the kindest, funniest, and gentlest people, as well as one of the finest actors in the industry. The family of the Jurassic Park star announced his unexpected passing on social media, confirming he died with dignity at St Vincent's Private Hospital. The family statement noted that whilst the loss was sudden, Neill remained cancer-free before his death, and they expressed their gratitude to the hospital staff for their incredible care.

Murphy and Neill worked closely together during the first two seasons of the hit television drama Peaky Blinders, which originally aired for six seasons between 2013 and 2022. The actors portrayed fierce onscreen rivals, with Neill playing the ruthless Chief Inspector Chester Campbell opposite Murphy's gang leader Tommy Shelby. Reflecting on their time working together on the popular series, Murphy stated that everyone who knew and worked with Neill admired and adored him in equal measure.

The family of the late actor requested privacy as they navigate the immeasurable loss, adding that further details regarding his passing would be shared at a later date.