Actor Sam Neill, known for his roles in "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," had a private three-year romance with ABC journalist Laura Tingle. The New Zealand actor died on Monday at age 78 after a sudden illness.
Hours after news of Neill's death, Tingle, 65, shared a tribute on Instagram featuring candid images and videos from their relationship. The collection, set to John Hiatt's song "Long Time Comin'," depicted the couple on boat trips, beach dates, and during domestic moments, such as Neill doing laundry and cooking.
Their time together also included dinner dates, road trips, and visits to Neill's New Zealand winery. The photos also highlighted Neill's affection for animals, showing him with chickens, a cat, and a pet pig.
Evenings at the theatre, overseas vacations, and time with family were also documented. The couple played music together, with Neill often seen with a guitar and a smile. They also attended social events, including outings with fellow actor Bryan Brown.
The romance between the ABC journalist and the Hollywood star, who met through mutual friends, took place between 2018 and 2021, before they amicably parted ways. Neill, who was notably private about the relationship, once quipped about their differing interests, suggesting, "My guess is that I'm in it for the politics; she's in it for the wine." He confirmed their split in 2023, telling The Sydney Morning Herald that he had "three wonderful years with Laura Tingle" and was grateful for their time together.
Neill, who was diagnosed with stage-three blood cancer in 2022 and announced he was cancer-free in April, died in a Sydney hospital. His family described his death as "sudden and unexpected" in a statement, expressing gratitude to the hospital staff for his care and requesting privacy during their period of grief. The actor's film career spanned decades, with notable roles in "Jurassic Park," "The Dish," and upcoming films "Godzilla x Kong: Supernova" and "The Last Resort."