‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ Star Dies at 45

Samuel French, the actor best known for his work in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, has died. He was 45. Raised in rural Texas, French started his career with small roles in the History Channel miniseries Texas Rising and the AMC drama Fear the Walking Dead. His big break came in 2023, when he portrayed FBI agent CJ Robinson in Killers of the Flower Moon, holding his own in a memorable scene opposite star Robert De Niro. Just last month, French took to Instagram to celebrate winning Best Actor at the 2025 Cowpokes Int’l Film Festival for his work in the indie drama Monsters Within. The news of his death was shared by director Paul Sinacore, who worked with French on his final project, Western crime thriller Towpath. According to Sinacore, French passed away in his hometown of Waco, Texas, after a years-long battle with cancer. He is survived by his daughter, Madison; his partner, Melinda; his parents; and his brothers. Sinacore also paid tribute to French on Instagram, writing, “Samuel carried a fire for acting that burned in every frame—unfiltered, fearless, and alive.”