Karl Urban mourns death of 'brilliant' actor Sam Neill

Karl Urban is mourning the death of "brilliant" actor Sam Neill.

Taking to his Instagram handle, The Boys actor paid a touching tribute to the late star, calling him a "beautiful man."

“Sam was truly brilliant," Karl wrote, as per Screen Daiy. "An inspiration for many who followed in his trailblazing footsteps."

"A beautiful man. A national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and to the world," he added.

For those unversed, Sam breathed his last today, June 13, in Sydney, Australia.

“It is with immense sadness that the whānau [extended family] of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday, July 13, in Sydney, Australia," the actor's family said in its statement. “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," the statement continued. “They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care.

“More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss," they added.

Sam was best known for his work in Peaky Blinders, Jurassic Park, Omen III: The Final Conflict, Dead Calm, The Hunt for Red October and Hunt For The Wilderpeople.

He also appeared in TV shows such as The Tudors and The Twelve.