Who did Samuel French play in "Killers of the Flower Moon"? Actor dies at 45 after battling cancer

Actor Samuel French, known for his roles in Three Days or Else and Blood Dried Hands, among others, is no more. He died at the age of 45, following years of struggle with cancer. Viewers might remember him as FBI undercover agent CJ Robinson from Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon.

According to Variety, the actor’s last performance will be in Paul Sinacore’s Towpath. An Instagram post seemingly from Sinacore mentioned the director’s words of tribute for French. He said:

“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.”

Paul Sinacore’s post (Image via Instagram/@paulsinacorecasting)

Paul Sinacore shared that Samuel French had a passion for acting that came through in every scene. He put his heart into his work. Paul felt heartbroken by Samuel’s death and wished he had lived to see the finished project.

He described French as unique and said he would always be remembered. Paul also expressed sympathy for the actor’s family, especially his daughter, whom Samuel loved deeply and often spoke about with pride. Their friendship had a meaningful and lasting effect on Paul’s life.

Samuel French was born on January 26, 1980. He made his debut in Texas Rising in 2015. He is survived by his parents, siblings, daughter, and her mother.

Samuel French announced that he had bid adieu to acting in 2024

His last selfie was posted on April 24, 2025, in which he was seen hooked up to an IV bag. On August 3, 2024, French announced his retirement from acting. He shared a lengthy post on Instagram, revealing that he had stepped away from acting months earlier after finishing Towpath.

He said he gave everything to that role and was proud of the result. Samuel French made the decision official by leaving all his talent agencies and removing his actor profile online. While he once thought this choice would be difficult, he said it felt right because it came from his heart.

The actor explained that the entertainment industry had worn him down over time. He felt he was never supported or professionally represented, which kept him from reaching certain goals. Samuel French wrote:

“I am proud of myself and what I accomplished in 13 years but I am even more proud of the courage it has taken to make this decision. I do not blame my acting career 100% for what I am having to heal myself from today but it has been a huge part of it all the stress the disappointment and people who hurt me more than help me (reps) did play a part but today I let go and OMG it is a special feeling a release I thought was impossible.”

Samuel French focused on healing through visits to the hot springs. As per the Daily Mail, he used red light sauna therapy and hyperbaric oxygen treatments.