Announcing his death on Monday night<\/a>, Neill\u2019s family wrote that he had \u201cpassed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cThe loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n \u201cMore 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Tributes have poured in from the New Zealand film industry and beyond<\/a>, with many remembering Neill for his character, talent and warmth both on- and off-screen.<\/p>\n Neill\u2019s Hunt for the Wilderpeople co-star Rima Te Wiata told Ryan Bridge TODAY he was a \u201cvery steady, peaceful, grounded man\u201d that had \u201cgood energy to be around\u201d.<\/p>\n Cillian Murphy, who starred alongside Neill in British series Peaky Blinders, said he \u201cadmired and adored him in equal measure\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was one of the kindest, funniest and gentlest people, and one of the finest actors. RIP.\u201d<\/p>\n Singer Jimmy Barnes, actors Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe, and directors Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson also bid their farewell as the news broke.<\/p>\n In a social media post, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described Neill as \u201cone of the greats\u201d and credited him for helping shape New Zealand\u2019s film industry into what it is today.<\/p>\n Former Prime Ministers Helen Clark and Dame Jacinda Ardern shared personal messages for the late actor, with the latter saying she had the \u201cprofound joy\u201d of meeting Neill just weeks ago, where they discussed \u201clife, politics, and home\u201d.<\/p>\n The reaction to Neill\u2019s death was further covered by mastheads around the world<\/a>, who commemorated the late actor through obituaries and stories of his fruitful career.<\/p>\nSir Sam Neill \u201cpassed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life\u201d, his family wrote. Photo \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n