Samuel French: Rising Actor From Killers of the Flower Moon Passes Away at 45

May 13, 2025 Celebnook Team 4 min read

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Samuel French, a talented actor who passed away at just 45 years old. Known for his powerful performance as an FBI agent in Killers of the Flower Moon, French was a dedicated artist with a strong passion for storytelling. His death was confirmed by director Paul Sinacore, who shared that Samuel had been battling cancer for the last few years.

French died in his hometown of Waco, Texas, where his acting journey had also begun. While he may not have been a household name, his work left a lasting impression on everyone who saw him on screen — and everyone who worked with him behind the scenes.

From a Small Texas Town to Hollywood: Samuel French’s Journey to Sharing the Screen With Robert De Niro

Samuel French’s story is not your usual Hollywood tale. He wasn’t someone raised in showbiz or surrounded by flashing lights. He grew up in Clifton, a quiet town not far from Waco. Life was simple there, and French often said he felt most himself in the countryside. Though he spent time in cities like Austin and Dallas, he always came back to the peaceful pace of rural life.

His big break came in a very unexpected way. French attended a casting call held in Waco, and his natural presence caught the attention of none other than Martin Scorsese. That one meeting led to a role in Killers of the Flower Moon — a massive film based on real events from the 1920s, where members of the Osage Nation were targeted and murdered for their oil wealth.

French played CJ Robinson, an undercover FBI agent. His performance stood out, especially in a one-on-one scene with Robert De Niro — a moment he filmed on his very first day on set. According to director Paul Sinacore, Scorsese praised French after that scene, telling him no one else could’ve played the part better. That compliment meant the world to Samuel, a man who was still finding his place in the film industry.

Aside from Killers of the Flower Moon, French also had roles in the Texas Rising miniseries, an episode of Fear the Walking Dead, and led independent films such as Joe Haladin: The Case of the Missing Sister and Blood Dried Hands. He wasn’t just acting — he was pouring his soul into every character he played.

One of his most meaningful roles came in his final film, Towpath, a historical drama set in 1964 during the civil rights era. Directed by his close friend Sinacore, Samuel played Detective Bernard Crooke — a complex role that demanded emotional depth and intensity. Sinacore has said that French’s performance helped shape the entire tone of the film, calling him the heart of the project.

Although French did not live to see the final cut of Towpath, his friends and colleagues believe it will be one of his most memorable performances.

In October 2023, he attended a local screening of Killers of the Flower Moon at the Cliftex Theatre, the oldest continuously operating movie theater in Texas. It was a full-circle moment for the actor, getting to share his work with his community, where it all began.

Samuel French is survived by his 12-year-old daughter, Madison, his longtime partner Melinda, and his parents and brothers. His death is not just a loss to the industry — it’s a loss to the people who knew and loved him personally.

French’s life reminds us that success isn’t always measured by fame. Sometimes, it’s about the impact you leave behind — and by that standard, Samuel French lived a life worth celebrating.