Jimmy Barnes has paid tribute to his “dear friend” Sam Neill.
News broke yesterday (July 13th) that the beloved New Zealand actor had died the age of 78, with Neill’s family confirming his passing in a social media statement.
Neill was diagnosed in 2022 with stage 3 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. However, he revealed he was cancer free earlier this year.
“The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free,” Neill’s family’s statement read. “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.”
Barnes took to social media to pay tribute following Neill’s passing.
“I can’t believe we will no longer be eating great food together and sharing the odd glass of wine down at his winery, while laughing, singing and solving the problems of the world together,” the Cold Chisel legend wrote.
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“Sam was a big part of our lives. He was family. He lifted our spirits when he walked in the room. Sam was everything he appeared to be on the screen. Caring, funny, intelligent, charming, honest, talented, the list could go on. He sat with me while I recovered in hospital and I sat with him when he needed me.
“We shared a lot in this life and for that, I will be always thankful. Rest easy, dear Sam. You are always in our hearts.”
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Also from Australia, Kath and Kim favourite Magda Szubanski AO said she was “absolutely devastated” by Neill’s death.
“Darling Sam. I really don’t have any words right now. I’m in complete shock. Last time we spoke he was going so well. My heart goes out to his family and all who love him – and there are so many of us. Vale my darling friend,” she wrote on social media.
Steven Spielberg, the director of Jurassic Park, one of Neill’s biggest films, shared a statement to Variety: “Sam was exceptionally collaborative,” he said. “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.”
Neill’s Jurassic Park co-star Laura Dern shared her own tribute, calling him a “beloved lifetime friend.”
“He showed me the depths of loyalty, protectiveness and love always with the driest of wit,” Dern shared in a statement to E! News. “He was a true and noble gentleman, wrapped up in my dream leading man. I will love you forever, Dr. Alan Grant.”
