Texas Actor Samuel French Dies at 45 After Battle with Cancer

WACO, Texas — Samuel French, a Texas actor best known for his role as undercover FBI agent CJ Robinson in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” died Friday morning after a long battle with cancer. He was 45 years old.

French passed away in a hospital in Waco, Texas, where he was born. His friend and collaborator, writer-director Paul Sinacore, confirmed the news. French had been fighting cancer for several years, which progressively worsened.

He was born on January 26, 1980, and moved with his family to Clifton, Texas, at the age of three. After finishing high school, he pursued acting in Austin and Dallas, earning early credits in series like “Texas Rising” and “Fear the Walking Dead.” His film credits included notable works such as “Pegasus: Pony With a Broken Wing” and the upcoming crime thriller “Blood Dried Hands.”

His last performance will be as Detective Bernard Crooke in Sinacore’s historical drama “Towpath,” set during the 1964 civil rights movement. Sinacore described French as “a dear friend and an incredible actor,” stating, “Towpath wouldn’t exist without him.” Sinacore highlighted French’s intense dedication to his craft, noting that he “gave himself completely to the work.”

French garnered attention for his portrayal in Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” (2023), where he played a crucial role in the story of the Osage murders in the 1920s. He was praised by Scorsese for his performance, being told that no one else could have played the character as he did.

In addition to his acting career, French was a devoted father to his 12-year-old daughter, Madison, and frequently spoke of her with pride. He is survived by his daughter, her mother Melinda, his parents Gary and Darlene, and his two brothers, Andy and Danny.

The film “Towpath” held significant importance for him, and he felt it would transform his career. Sinacore expressed deep sadness over the loss, stating he wished French could have seen the completed film.