Cause of Death Released for 'Killers of the Flower Moon' Actor Samuel French
The cause of death has been released for a Killers of the Flower Moon actor who died at age 45.
Samuel French died of cancer, according to The Hollywood Reporter, which reported that the actor "battled a cancer that spread through his body over the past couple of years."
French played FBI agent CJ Robinson in the Martin Scorcese movie.
He died on May 9, 2025, at a hospital in Waco, TX, where he was born, according to THR.
French plays another detective in his final movie, Towpath, with Eric Roberts, THR reported.
French posted an Instagram photo from a hospital bed in April, writing that he was getting an IV for hydration.
Paul Sinacore, who directed Towpath, posted a tribute to French, confirming that he had died.
"R.I.P. ???????????? Samuel French, Fearless Screen Presence and Scorsese Collaborator, Dies at 45," he wrote in the Instagram tribute.
"Known for his explosive intensity in roles across film and television, French leaves behind a legacy of bold performances, including his final turn in Paul Sinacore’s upcoming historical drama, Towpath, which delves into political intrigue and mystery."
The post continued, "Samuel French, the magnetic actor celebrated for his explosive performances and uncompromising dedication to his craft, died this morning, May 9, 2025, in Waco, Texas. He was 45."
"French’s career was marked by powerful, emotionally charged roles in both film and television. He earned widespread recognition for his supporting turn as CJ Robinson in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, where he shared the screen with Robert De Niro in a performance that brought understated power and quiet intensity to the acclaimed historical epic," Sinacore wrote.
“Samuel was a dear friend and an incredible actor,” Sinacore said. “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."
He added: "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. 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.”