Samuel French, Acclaimed ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ Actor, Dies at Age 45

Samuel French, an actor whose captivating performances brought grit and humanity to historical and dramatic roles, passed away at the age of 45 on Friday, May 9, in Waco, Texas.

The news was confirmed by producer Paul Sinacore via Instagram, marking the end of a powerful but too-short career that left a lasting impression on audiences and colleagues alike.

French, best known for his role in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, had recently completed filming on Towpath, an upcoming film set during the civil rights era.

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In the film, French portrayed a determined detective unraveling a murder in a racially divided small town—another challenging and emotionally charged role that highlighted his unwavering dedication to his craft.

Image Credit: AshTrey Productions

Sinacore, who worked with French on Towpath, shared the news of his passing with a heartfelt tribute. “Samuel was a magnetic actor,” he wrote.

“Celebrated for his explosive performances and uncompromising dedication to his craft.” Sinacore’s words resonated with many in the film community, where French had quietly built a reputation for his emotional range and work ethic.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, French had been privately battling cancer, a fight he kept largely out of the public eye. The disease tragically spread throughout his body, ultimately claiming his life.

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Samuel French’s acting journey spanned a variety of film and television roles, each showcasing a different facet of his talent.

His breakout came with Killers of the Flower Moon, where he played CJ Robinson, an undercover agent assigned to investigate the Osage Nation murders in 1920s Oklahoma.

French’s portrayal brought intensity and nuance to the historical drama, adding depth to a pivotal figure entangled in a grim chapter of American history.

Before earning widespread attention for Killers of the Flower Moon, French had already accumulated a number of impressive credits.

He appeared in Season 6 of AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead as Ben, and earlier in his career, made his television debut in Texas Rising.

The History Channel miniseries, which starred notable names like Bill Paxton, Ray Liotta, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Brendan Fraser, explored the Texas Revolution and the birth of the Texas Rangers.

French also appeared in Mark of a Killer, a chilling true crime docuseries that explored the psychology and patterns of serial killers. His performance contributed to the show’s gripping tone and investigative storytelling.

Despite his growing résumé, French remained grounded and devoted to his craft, never chasing celebrity but always seeking roles that challenged him.

His final post on Instagram reflected this dedication.

He shared his excitement over winning Best Supporting Actor at the 2025 Cowpokes International Film Festival for his role as Cyrus in Monsters Within, a psychological thriller where he delivered one of his most riveting performances to date.

In many ways, Samuel French’s career was just beginning to ascend. He was the kind of actor who could disappear into any role—whether it was a lawman in a period piece, a conflicted character in a modern drama, or a hero wrestling with inner demons.

His ability to bring authenticity and depth to complex roles earned him quiet admiration across the industry.

French’s legacy lives on not only in his filmography but in the personal connections he made on and off the set. Friends and colleagues remember him as thoughtful, generous, and fiercely committed to his work.

Sinacore’s tribute concluded with a sentiment shared by many: “He gave everything to his roles. He gave everything to life.”

A funeral service for Samuel French will be held on Friday, May 16, in Valley Mills, Texas.

He leaves behind a growing body of work and a legacy of artistic integrity that will be remembered by peers and fans alike.

In the words of those who knew him best, Samuel French was more than an actor—he was a storyteller, a craftsman, and a rare talent gone too soon.

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