Laura Dern has paid tribute to her "Jurassic Park" co-star Sam Neill, who died at the age of 78. Dern, who starred alongside Neill in the blockbuster franchise, shared her sentiments in a statement released on Monday.
"Sam was my beloved lifetime friend… He showed me the depths of loyalty, protectiveness and love always with the driest of wit," Dern said. She described Neill as "a true and noble gentleman" who was "wrapped up in my dream leading man."
Dern concluded her statement by affectionately addressing Neill as "Dr. Alan Grant," the character he portrayed in the films. "I will love you forever, Dr. Alan Grant," she wrote.
Dern and Neill played romantic interests Dr. Ellie Sattler and Dr. Alan Grant, respectively, in the original 1993 film "Jurassic Park." They later reprised their roles in "Jurassic Park III" (2001) and "Jurassic World Dominion" (2022).