Killers of the Flower Moon star Samuel French dies at 45 after health battle as tributes pour in

THE actor Samuel French, best known for his role in the hit movie Killers of the Flower Moon, has died at the age of 45.

French died in Waco, Texas, on May 9 following a battle with cancer.

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His cancer had spread throughout his body in recent years, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

The star played Agent CJ Robinson in the 2023 flick that was directed by Martin Scorsese and also featured the likes of Robert DeNiro and Leonardo Di Caprio.

French and DeNiro shared an iconic scene in the film that was filmed on his first day on the production set.

And in 2023, he described DeNiro as his "idol," as reported by the ABC affiliate KXXV-TV.

French also appeared in an episode of Texas Rising, and Fear the Walking Dead during his career.

His most recent appearance came in the horror crime movie Blood Dried Hands, directed by Jason Vandygriff.

But, he was set to appear in the movie Towpath, directed and written by Paul Sinacore.

Sinacore has led the tributes for the late star.

In an Instagram post, he described French as a "dear friend" and an "incredible actor."

"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," he said.

"Together we were on an extraordinary journey, giving everything we had to realize a shared creative vision.

"Samuel carried a fire for acting that burned in every frame - unfiltered, fearless and alive."

Sinacore said he has been left "deeply saddened" by French's death.

"He was one of a kind, and he will remain in our hearts forever."

Samuel carried a fire for acting that burned in every frame - unfiltered, fearless and alive."

Paul Sinacore

Devin Montgomery, an actor-director, recalled one of the last conversations he had with French.

"One of the last things he told me was just how special he felt about our working together and to keep making noise and 'kicking down doors in this industry' cause as he said 'you're a major talent bro,'" he posted on social media.

French last posted on social media around two weeks before his death.

He appeared in the thriller Monsters Within, directed by Montgomery, and celebrated picking up the Best Supporting Actor (Feature Film) award at the 2025 Cowpokes International Film Festival.

"Huge thank you to our director/writer Devin Montgomery for creating an amazing character that I could sink my teeth into, and congratulations to the rest of our amazing cast," he said.

French played the character Cyrus in the movie.

And, on April 23, he shared a photo from a clinic in Waco, captioning the post: "Getting IV for much needed hydration."

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