Actor Samuel French, known for his memorable roles in Fear the Walking Dead, Killers of the Flower Moon, and several indie films, has tragically passed away at the age of 45 following a long battle with cancer.
Fans and colleagues flooded social media with tributes, mourning the loss of the beloved actor.
“Sad news, but his memory will flower on in our hearts. RIP,” one fan wrote.
Another added: “So sad, he worked so hard. Such a unique man. Rest in peace.”
A third reflected: “That man was supremely talented. For such a kind soul, he played the most menacing villain.”
French, who hailed from Waco, Texas, rose to prominence after catching the eye of director Martin Scorsese during a local casting call for Killers of the Flower Moon. His standout performance as former cowboy and FBI agent Robinson earned him praise from Scorsese himself, who reportedly told him: “No one could have played Robinson as well as you did.”
In addition to his role opposite Robert De Niro in Killers, French gained a fan following for his appearance in Fear the Walking Dead, as well as for leading performances in Texas Rising and Joe Haladin: The Case of the Missing Sister.
French’s talent earned critical acclaim, including a Best Supporting Actor win at the Los Angeles Film Awards in 2024 for Monsters Within, and Best Actor at the Liverpool Indie Awards for Blood Dried Hands.
His final role was in the upcoming civil rights-era drama Towpath, where he played Detective Bernard Crooke. Directed by his close friend Paul Sinacore, the film is set in 1964 and showcases what Sinacore describes as one of French’s most powerful performances.
“Samuel was a dear friend and an incredible actor. Towpath wouldn’t exist without him,” Sinacore told The Hollywood Reporter. “He gave himself completely to the work, and it showed. I only wish he could have seen the final cut. He was one of a kind.”
French passed away in his hometown of Waco, with Sinacore revealing that the cancer had spread throughout his body by the time of his death.
He is survived by his 12-year-old daughter Madison, his partner Melinda, his parents Gary and Darlene, and his brothers Andy and Danny.
Samuel French leaves behind a legacy of fearless performances and a lasting impact on those who knew him, both on and off the screen.
