The talented and respected actor Samuel French, known for his role in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, passed away at the age of 45. He passed away on May 9, 2025, in his hometown of Waco, Texas, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
French was born on January 26, 1980, and began his acting career later in life, first gaining attention for his role in the historical drama Texas Rising in 2015. His talent and commitment to the art quickly led him to roles in a number of prestigious independent series and films, including Fear the Walking Dead and films such as Joe Halladen: The Case of the Missing Sister, Bloody Hands, and Monsters Within.
In 2023, French gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of FBI agent C.J. Robinson in Killers of the Flower Moon, a historical crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese. Critics praised French’s performance for its realism and emotional depth, which contributed significantly to the poignant story of the Osage Tribe murders in Oklahoma during the 1920s.
Among his most recent credits was his role in Monsters Within, a psychological thriller for which he won the Best Supporting Actor award at the 2025 Cowbox International Film Festival. He recently wrapped filming Towpath, a drama directed by Paul Sinacourt, who described French by post on his instagram as a “dear friend” and “a wonderful actor,” adding that his presence “had a huge impact on the entire set.”
Condolence messages poured in from his colleagues in the film industry. Actor and director Devin Montgomery, who worked with French on Monsters Within, said he remembers their last conversation with deep emotion, describing him as “one of the most generous and caring artists I’ve ever worked with.”
Aside from acting, French was a doting father and devoted partner. He is survived by his daughter, Madison, his partner, Melinda, his parents, and his brothers, Andy and Danny.
Samuel French leaves behind a legacy of courage, artistic passion, and late success that inspired many, both through his performance and his resilience in the face of illness. He will be remembered as an actor who left a distinctive mark on the world of cinema.
