Samuel French's Agonizing Cause of Death Revealed After 'Killers of the Flower Moon' Star Dies at 45
French's final role is in the upcoming film 'Towpath'.
May 13 2025, Published 3:49 p.m. ET
Actor Samuel French, who played undercover FBI agent CJ Robinson in Martin Scorsese's Oscar-nominated film Killers of the Flower Moon, has died, RadarOnline.com can report.
The actor died Friday in a hospital in his birthplace of Waco, Texas, after a lengthy battle with cancer at 45 years old.
The actor shared a photo getting an IV for hydration just a few weeks ago.
Paul Sinacore, a friend and collaborator who directed the late actor in his final film, Towpath, confirmed the news on Instagram.
In a touching tribute, Sinacore shared: "Samuel was 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.
"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. He gave himself completely to the work, and it showed."
Final Role
French stars alongside Eric Roberts in Sinacore’s upcoming historical drama Towpath. He plays a detective investigating a case in 1964, during the heart of the civil rights movement.
Sinacore's message continues: "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.
"His friendship had an unexpectedly profound impact on my life."
A Budding Resume
Paul Sinacore, Samuel French and Eric Roberts on the set of 'Towpath'.
French was born on January 26, 1980 in Waco. He debuted on the History Channel limited TV series Texas Rising in 2015, playing Gavin McDonough alongside Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Bill Paxton, Kris Kristofferson, and Brendan Fraser.
He went on to play Ben in The Walking Dead spinoff Fear the Walking Dead in a 2020 episode and the title character Joe Haladin in Joe Haladin: The Case of the Missing Sister in 2023.
Friends and co-stars have been sharing their condolences online.
One reminisced: "I was just a background extra on Towpath, but Sam took the time to give me advice as an aspiring actor in my 40s. I was discouraged about the lack of film opportunities at the time, and he spent over an hour with me on set to encourage me as well as give me advice.
"I was so impressed by his willingness to invest in someone he had never met before. Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world."
Emotional Tributes
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
French in 'Killers of the Flower Moon'.
Actor-director Devin Montgomery posted a tribute to French on Instagram, writing: "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 doors down in this industry' cause as he said 'you’re a major talent, bro.'
"I think as artists we can be really hard on ourselves a lot of the time, and it’s special when someone you look up to with the experiences like he has says something like that.
"He was going through some very scary health issues, but he still took the time to tell me that. I’ll remember that forever.
"It was an honor working with you, Sam, and that 'keep pushing/continuing on this journey' mentality will continue, brother."
