Cillian Murphy pays tribute to Peaky Blinders co-star Sam Neill

Cillian Murphy has paid tribute to his former Peaky Blinders co-star Sam Neill, describing the late actor as someone he "admired and adored in equal measure."

"He was one of the kindest, funniest and gentlest people, and one of the finest actors. I will miss him terribly," said Murphy in a statement to media outlets.

Murphy and Neill appeared together in the first two seasons of Peaky Blinders, with Murphy starring as Tommy Shelby and Neill portraying Major Chester Campbell, the determined Royal Irish Constabulary detective tasked with bringing down the Birmingham gang.

Neill revealed in 2023 that he had been diagnosed with cancer, before announcing in April this year that he was cancer free. His family confirmed in a statement that he died on Monday, July 13, in Sydney, surrounded by loved ones.

"It is with immense sadness that the whānau [family] of Sam Neill share the news of his passing," the statement read.

The family added that his death was "sudden and unexpected".

Born in Northern Ireland and raised in New Zealand, Neill was best known for films Jurassic Park, The Piano and The Hunt for Red October. 

Murphy's tribute joins those of fellow actors, including Neill's Jurassic Park co-star, Laura Dern who in a statement to Variety said: "He was a true and noble gentleman, wrapped up in my dream leading man."