United Kingdom, July 13 -- Laura Dern has hailed Sam Neill as her "beloved" friend.

The actress, 59, broke her silence on her grief over Sam's death after a raft of celebrities posted tributes to the late star, whose death aged 78 was announced on Monday (13.07.26.)

Laura, who starred with Sam in the Jurassic Park franchise, in which he played Dr. Alan Grant. remembered Sam after his family confirmed he had died following what they described as a "sudden and unexpected" death following his news he was free of cancer.

In a statement shared with Page Six, Laura said: "Sam was my beloved lifetime friend."

She added: "He showed me the depths of loyalty, protectiveness and love always with the driest of wit."

Laura continued Sam was "a tr...