Curious World Staff
Samuel French, a Texas-born actor known for his role in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, has died at 45 after a long battle with cancer. Director Paul Sinacore confirmed French passed away on Friday in his hometown of Waco, Texas.
Sinacore, who worked with French on the upcoming film Towpath, paid tribute to him on Instagram, calling him a “dear friend and an incredible actor.” French’s role as Detective Bernard Crooke was described as “fearless, raw, and powerful,” setting the tone for the entire film.
“I am deeply saddened by his loss and only wish he could have seen the final cut,” Sinacore wrote. He also shared how French’s friendship had a profound impact on his life and sent love to French’s 12-year-old daughter, Madison, whom French “loved deeply.”
Just days before French’s passing, Sinacore posted a selfie of them with Eric Roberts on the Towpath set, noting how meaningful it was for French to act alongside Roberts, who praised his powerful presence.
French began his acting career in the 2015 miniseries Texas Rising, alongside Bill Paxton, Ray Liotta, and Brendan Fraser. He later appeared in Fear the Walking Dead (2020) and starred in the 2023 thriller Joe Haladin: The Case of the Missing Sister. His role as FBI Agent CJ Robinson in Killers of the Flower Moon was among his most notable, sharing scenes with Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.
French is survived by his daughter Madison, her mother Melinda Acosta, his parents Thomas and Evelyn, and his brothers Andy and Danny. His funeral was scheduled for Friday, May 16, at First Baptist Church in Valley Mills, Texas.
