“He was a very steady, peaceful, grounded man.

“I’d describe him as a lovely gardener, someone who would do a vege garden.

“He was a really good communicator and listener, had good instincts and spirit, had a lot of empathy.”

Lord of the Rings director Sir Peter Jackson said the wry wit and wisdom of his “fellow Kiwi filmmaker” would be missed.

“From the first, in front of the camera and quietly behind it – from Sleeping Dogs, to the myriad of other brilliant performances you gave us, you have always been a shining light of talent, creativity and graceful joy in the act of telling a story.”

Hollywood star Cillian Murphy starred with Neill as rivals in British series Peaky Blinders.

“Like everyone who knew and worked with Sam, I admired him and adored him in equal measure.

“He was one of the kindest, funniest and gentlest people, and one of the finest actors. RIP.”

Actor and musician Jeff Goldblum, who famously played alongside Neill in the Jurassic Park movies, wrote a short and simple send-off.

“The next great adventure begins. Love, always and forever.” Goldblum signed off with a dinosaur and heart emoji.

As more tributes flood in from across the world, please share your own memories, feelings and anecdotes in the comments section below. We will publish a select few in this article as the day goes on.