Samuel French, Killers of the Flower Moon Actor, Dies at 45

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By Elise Monroe

staff writer

May 13, 2025

Samuel French, an acclaimed character actor best known for his role in Killers of the Flower Moon, has died following a battle with cancer. He was 45.

French’s passing was confirmed by his close friend and collaborator Paul Sinacore, who told The Hollywood Reporter that the actor died on May 10 after a prolonged and courageous fight with cancer. The disease had reportedly spread throughout his body over the past two years.

A native of Texas, French gained national recognition for portraying FBI Agent CJ Robinson in Martin Scorsese’s 2023 historical epic Killers of the Flower Moon, sharing the screen with acting legends such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, and Robert De Niro. His performance was noted for its quiet intensity and depth.

Just before his death, French had completed filming on Towpath, a period crime drama directed by Sinacore and starring Eric Roberts. In the film, French played Det. Bernard Crooke, a man investigating a racially charged murder in a small town during the civil rights era.

“Samuel was a dear friend and an incredible actor,” Sinacore shared in a heartfelt statement. “Towpath wouldn’t exist without him, and the incredible intensity he brought to the role of Det. Bernard Crooke set the tone for the entire film. Together we were on an extraordinary journey, giving everything we had to realize a shared creative vision.”

“Samuel carried a fire for acting that burned in every frame, unfiltered, fearless, and alive,” Sinacore added. “He gave himself completely to the work, and it showed. I am deeply saddened by his loss and only wish he could have seen the final cut.”

Beyond his role in Killers of the Flower Moon, French’s career spanned film and television. His credits included appearances in Fear the Walking Dead, Texas Rising, and the family film Pegasus: Pony With a Broken Wing. He was widely respected for his ability to transform into a variety of roles, often bringing gravitas and empathy to the characters he portrayed.

French also saw success on the indie film circuit. Just two weeks before his passing, he celebrated winning Best Supporting Actor at the 2025 Cowpokes International Film Festival for his role as Cyrus in Monsters Within.

“This is my third win for best supporting role,” French wrote in a bittersweet Instagram post on April 28. “Huge thank you to our director/writer @devinmontgomeryy for creating an amazing character that I could sink my teeth into, and congratulations to the rest of our amazing cast.”

Friends and colleagues alike have remembered him as an actor of great dedication, passion, and humility, an artist who brought depth and integrity to every performance.

Samuel French is survived by his loved ones and the countless individuals he inspired, both onscreen and off. He leaves behind a body of work marked by authenticity, intensity, and heart.