Cillian Murphy has described his Peaky Blinders co-star Sam Neill as “one of the finest actors” after his death.
The Northern Ireland-born New Zealand actor died aged 78 in Sydney, Australia, on Monday.
He was best known for playing Dr Alan Grant in the blockbuster Jurassic Park franchise.
One of Neill’s other notable roles was playing the sadistic, corrupt senior police officer Major Chester Campbell in the first two seasons of Peaky Blinders.
The show’s star, Murphy, who played Tommy Shelby, paid tribute to Neill, saying: “Like everyone who knew and worked with Sam, I admired him and adored him in equal measure. He was one of the kindest, funniest and gentlest people, and one of the finest actors. RIP.”
The show’s official page also posted a tribute on social media that read: “We are devastated to hear that Sam Neill has died.
“Sam’s portrayal of Chester Campbell is one for the ages. A villain who is despicable, petty, manipulative, but also charismatic, vulnerable, funny, and supremely entertaining to watch.
“Sam was one of the key forces that got Peaky Blinders off to a running start, for which we will be forever grateful.
“Our love and thoughts are with his family.”
Among the many other tributes was one from Joe Cole, another of Neill’s co-stars in Peaky Blinders.
“Rest in peace big dog,” Cole wrote on Instagram.
A statement on Instagram announcing Neill’s death read: “It is with immense sadness that the whānau (extended family) of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July 2026 in Sydney, Australia.
“Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life.”
Neill announced in April 2026 that he was cancer-free after treatment, three years after saying he had a “ferocious” and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The statement added: “The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free. The family 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.”
Source: Press Association