Sam Neill: Journalist Laura Tingle shares unseen photos of movie star ex in tribute following his death

Prominent journalist Laura Tingle has honoured her former partner Sam Neill with a special tribute following his sudden death, sharing several sweet memories of their relationship on social media.

Tingle and the New Zealand-raised acting legend were in a private three-year relationship from 2018 to 2021.

Following his tragic death, which has been described as “sudden and unexpected”, Tingle shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, posting a candid photo montage of their time together with the caption “Sweet Dreams darling Sam”.

The photos were clipped together in a video set to the song Long Time Comin’ by John Hiatt.

Many of the heartwarming images were selfies of the former couple, in which they were seen smiling or posing close together. In one photo, Neill is seen kissing Tingle on her head.

Other photos include highlights of international holidays, social gatherings, and at-home antics with Neill pictured ironing clothes and cooking in the kitchen.

Tingle’s friends took to the comments section of her post with messages of support and love after being moved by her tribute.

South Australia senator Sarah Hanson-Young and actress Magda Szubanski both sent “lots of love”, while Love My May actor Claudia Karvan labelled it as a “Beautiful post for a truly beautiful man”.

Author and screenwriter Benjamin Law said: “So sorry for your loss, we adored him.”

As a couple, Tingle and Neill kept their romance largely out of the public eye, though Tingle did occasionally join him at high-profile events such as the 2019 AACTA Awards in Sydney and the 2018 Mid Winter Ball in Canberra.

Speaking affectionately about their contrasting professional backgrounds, Neill famously joked: “My guess is that I’m in it for the politics; she’s in it for the wine”.

Even after their 2021 split, the two maintained a close and supportive friendship.

Neill’s family announced his tragic death on Monday afternoon on the actor’s Instagram page.

“It is with immense sadness that the whanau (extended family) of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July in Sydney, Australia,” the post read.

“Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life.

“The loss was sudden and unexpected, but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free.”

His passing triggered several tributes from leading figures in both entertainment and political circles, including from both Australia and New Zealand’s prime ministers.

Nicole Kidman told the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper in a statement: “Sam was one of the greats, a joy to be around.”

“We met when I was just 18 and he took me under his wing and we stayed friends for life. He was charming, kind, funny and intelligent. He will be greatly missed, and my heart goes out to his family.”

Laura Dern, who starred with Neill in the Jurassic Park franchise, in which he played Dr. Alan Grant said: “Sam was my beloved lifetime friend.”

“He showed me the depths of loyalty, protectiveness and love always with the driest of wit.

“A true and noble gentleman” who was “wrapped up in my dream leading man.

“I will love you forever, Dr. Alan Grant.”

Neill was born in Omagh in Northern Ireland in 1947 as Nigel Neill. His father was from New Zealand and the family returned there in 1954, settling in Christchurch.

Aside from the Jurassic Park films, Neill was also known for the Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Rams — shot in WA’s Great Southern region — and The Twelve.