Steven Spielberg Pays Tribute to Late ‘Jurassic Park’ Actor Sam Neill

Steven Spielberg pays tribute to the late actor Sam Neill following his death at age 78. Spielberg, who directed and worked with Neill on “Jurassic Park,” says he is “saddened” by the news and describes Neill as “exceptionally collaborative.” In comments shared with Variety and reported by ComingSoon.net, Spielberg also credits the actor’s involvement in multiple film projects, and he expresses gratitude to filmmakers he worked with alongside Neill, including Roger Donaldson, Gilliam Armstrong, Graham Baker, and Phillip Noyce. Spielberg characterizes Neill’s contribution to filmmaking as significant and says Neill “will never be forgotten,” framing the tribute as both a personal acknowledgment and a professional appreciation. The reports describe the tribute as a statement Spielberg provided to Variety after learning of Neill’s death, emphasizing the director’s regard for Neill’s working style and collaborative approach on set.