Karl Urban pays heartfelt tribute to Sam Neill after his death
'The Boys' star Karl Urban has joined the growing list of celebrities paying tribute to the late Jurassic Park icon Sam Neill
Karl Urban has paid a heartfelt tribute to fellow New Zealand actor Sam Neill, remembering the late screen legend as a "brilliant" performer and a lasting inspiration following his death at the age of 78.
Sharing an emotional message on Instagram, The Boys star praised Neill's remarkable career and the influence he had on generations of actors.
"Sam was truly brilliant," Urban wrote. "An inspiration for many who followed in his trailblazing footsteps.
A beautiful man. A national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and to the world."
Neill's family announced that the acclaimed actor died on July 13 in Sydney, Australia, surrounded by loved ones.
They described his passing as "sudden and unexpected" while confirming he had remained cancer-free following his previous battle with blood cancer.
Widely regarded as one of New Zealand's most celebrated actors, Neill became internationally known for portraying Dr Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise.
His extensive career also included acclaimed performances in Peaky Blinders, The Piano, The Hunt for Red October, The Tudors and The Twelve, leaving behind a legacy that spans more than five decades of film and television.
