Nicole Kidman and Laura Dern reunite to honour Sam Neill with emotional tribute

Nicole Kidman and Laura Dern have reunited to pay tribute to their longtime friend and collaborator Sam Neill following the acclaimed actor’s death at the age of 78.

The Big Little Lies co-stars shared a heartfelt moment celebrating Neill’s life, honouring the legacy of the beloved actor known for his work in the Jurassic Park franchise and numerous acclaimed films.

Dern shared a photo on Instagram Stories showing herself and Kidman holding a bottle of Two Paddocks wine, the New Zealand vineyard Neill founded in 1993. Alongside the image, Dern wrote, “Raising a glass to our beloved friend and leading man, Sam,” adding that the toast was “just the way he would want.”

Kidman first worked with Neill in the 1989 thriller Dead Calm, a film that marked an early milestone in her career. Following news of his death, the Oscar-winning actress described Neill as “one of the greats,” remembering him as a charming, kind and intelligent friend who supported her from the beginning of her acting journey.

Dern, who portrayed Dr. Ellie Sattler opposite Neill’s Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, also paid tribute, calling him her “beloved lifetime friend” and praising his loyalty, humour and generosity. The pair reunited on screen in Jurassic Park III and Jurassic World Dominion.

Neill died from pneumonia on July 13, according to his longtime representative. His family plans to hold a private memorial service in New Zealand. The actor leaves behind a lasting legacy through an extensive film career, with several posthumous projects, including Godzilla x Kong: Supernova and The Last Resort, still set for release.