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

Samuel French, a Texan actor known for his role as undercover FBI agent CJ Robinson in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” died this morning in Waco, Texas following a years-long battle with cancer. He was 45.

Born on January 26, 1980, French’s family moved to Clifton, Texas when he was 3. He graduated from high school there before moving to Austin and eventually Dallas, landing early acting credits on series like “Texas Rising” and “Fear the Walking Dead” as “Ben,” as well as film roles like “Pegasus: Pony With a Broken Wing,” “The Pro Bono Watchman” and a role in the 2024 crime thriller “Blood Dried Hands.”

French’s final performance will be as Detective Bernard Crooke in the crime drama/thriller “Towpath,” written and directed by Paul Sinacore. “Samuel was a dear friend and an incredible actor,” Sinacore said in a statement posted to Instagram. “Together we were on an extraordinary journey, giving everything we had to realize a shared creative vision. ‘Towpath’ wouldn’t exist without him, and the incredible intensity he brought to the role of Detective Bernard Crooke set the tone for the entire film. Samuel carried a fire for acting that burned in every frame — unfiltered, fearless, and alive.”

“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. He was one of a kind, and he will remain in our hearts forever. My heart goes out to his family, and especially to his daughter — he loved her deeply and spoke of her often with pride and tenderness.”