Samuel French passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning in Waco, Texas, at the age of 45. He had been bravely battling cancer for several years.
Born on January 26, 1980, Samuel grew up in Clifton, Texas, after his family moved there when he was just three years old. As he grew, his passion for acting led him to Austin and later Dallas, where he pursued his dream of becoming an actor.
Samuel’s career saw him take on a variety of roles, including parts in the miniseries Texas Rising and the popular show Fear the Walking Dead, where he played a character named Ben. However, he is perhaps best remembered for his role as undercover FBI agent CJ Robinson in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, where he shared the screen with the legendary Robert De Niro.
His filmography also includes notable works like Blood Dried Hands, Pegasus: Pony With a Broken Wing, and The Pro Bono Watchman. His final film, Towpath, a crime drama directed and written by Paul Sinacore, will be released later this year. In Towpath, Samuel plays Detective Bernard Crooke, a role that director Sinacore says defined the very tone and power of the movie.
Sinacore described Samuel as an intense and deeply committed actor whose raw, uncanny performances left a lasting impression on everyone involved. He praised Samuel’s work ethic and passion, saying it never went unnoticed on set.
On Instagram, Sinacore shared heartfelt words about their creative journey together, calling Samuel “a dear friend and an incredible actor.” He said, “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.”
Sinacore also expressed deep sorrow that Samuel wouldn’t get to see the finished film, adding, “He was one of a kind, and he will remain in our hearts forever.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Samuel was known as a loving and devoted father, especially proud of his daughter. Friends and acquaintances often recall how much he spoke about her with warmth and pride.
His passing is a significant loss to the acting community, where he was admired not only for his talent but also his determination and heart.
Funeral arrangements for Samuel French have not yet been announced.
