Nicole Kidman remembered her “friend for life” and “Dead Calm” co-star Sam Neill following his sudden death on Monday. Neill's family announced his passing in a statement shared via Instagram.
"It is with immense sadness that the whānau [family] of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia," the statement read. "Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterized his whole life."
Kidman, who met Neill when she was 18, described him as “one of the greats” and “a joy to be around.”
"He took me under his wing and we stayed friends for life,” Kidman told People in a statement. “He was charming, kind, funny, and intelligent. He will be greatly missed, and my heart goes out to his family.”
The pair starred together in the 1989 thriller “Dead Calm,” which marked a pivotal moment in Kidman's career, launching her into international stardom.
Neill’s family noted that the loss was sudden and unexpected but expressed gratitude that he had remained cancer-free. They also extended their “deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care.” The family requested privacy as they navigate their loss and indicated that more details would be shared later.