Just the way he would want’: Nicole Kidman and Laura Dern Honour Sam Neill with a Quiet Tribute — A Gesture That Spoke Louder Than Words
Nicole Kidman and Laura Dern have paid a deeply personal tribute to their longtime friend and acclaimed actor Sam Neill, choosing to celebrate his life in a way that reflected one of his greatest passions.
Rather than making lengthy public statements, the pair shared a simple gesture that has touched fans around the world and highlighted the lasting legacy Neill leaves behind.
A Glass Raised to a Beloved Friend
Taking to Instagram, Nicole Kidman and Laura Dern posed together with a bottle of Two Paddocks Last Chance Pinot Noir, the award-winning wine produced at Sam Neill’s vineyard in Central Otago, New Zealand.
Nicole accompanied the image with an emotional message:
“Raising a glass to our beloved friend and leading man, Sam. Just the way he would want, toasting with his gorgeous Pinot.”
For those who knew Neill best, the tribute carried special meaning, reflecting not only his remarkable acting career but also his lifelong love of winemaking and sharing good wine with family and friends.
Remembering Sam Neill’s Final Chapter
Sam Neill passed away on 13 July 2026 at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Private Hospital at the age of 78 after developing pneumonia.
His death came only three months after he had revealed he was finally cancer-free following treatment for stage-three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.
In a statement released by his family, they described his passing as both “sudden and unexpected,” while expressing gratitude that he had remained free of cancer during his final months.
They also thanked the medical team who cared for him and asked for privacy as they mourned his loss.
A Legacy That Lives On Through His Vineyard
Beyond film, Sam Neill built another passion through his Two Paddocks vineyard, producing acclaimed Pinot Noir, Riesling and Rosé wines.
Following news of his death, admirers across Australia and New Zealand began honouring him by purchasing bottles from the winery.
Retailers reported an extraordinary surge in demand.
Liquorland revealed sales of Two Paddocks Pinot Noir increased by more than 1,800 per cent, while independent wine stores also sold out as fans gathered to celebrate Neill’s life by raising a glass in his memory.
Many shared plans to revisit his films while enjoying one of his wines, while restaurants and cafés featured special tributes celebrating both the man and his remarkable career.
Tributes From Across the Film World
Nicole Kidman and Laura Dern were among many friends and colleagues who remembered Neill following his passing.
Jurassic Park director Steven Spielberg reflected on the actor’s generosity, professionalism and warmth, recalling the close bond formed between Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum during the franchise.
Spielberg said their “Jurassic family” would never forget him, describing Neill as a gifted collaborator whose kindness extended far beyond the camera.
More Than an Actor
For audiences, Sam Neill will always be remembered as one of cinema’s most beloved leading men.
For those closest to him, however, he was also a devoted father, loyal friend, passionate winemaker and generous supporter of charitable causes.
Nicole Kidman and Laura Dern’s quiet toast captured that spirit perfectly—a simple farewell that reflected the way Sam Neill himself would likely have chosen to be remembered: surrounded by friendship, good conversation and a glass of wine shared with the people he loved most.
