Samuel French, a proud Texas native and dedicated actor who embodied the grit and integrity of American lawmen on screen, has died at the age of 45 after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
Born and raised in Waco, Texas, French passed away on Friday, leaving behind a legacy marked by strong values, powerful performances, and a deep love for his family and faith. He was perhaps best known to moviegoers for his role as FBI Agent CJ Robinson in Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-nominated historical drama *Killers of the Flower Moon*, where he starred alongside Hollywood elites like Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro — and held his own with poise and authority.
But French’s true strength wasn’t just in his ability to act — it was in the quiet resilience he showed behind the scenes, both as a father and a man of principle.
Director Paul Sinacore, who worked with French on the upcoming crime drama *Towpath*, paid tribute to his friend and star on social media, calling him the heart of the film. “Samuel was a dear friend and an incredible actor,” Sinacore wrote. “*Towpath* wouldn’t exist without him, and the intensity he brought to the role of Detective Bernard Crooke set the tone for the entire film.”
That intensity came naturally to French, who many described as a deeply grounded individual who brought his small-town values and work ethic to every project. His final performance was hailed by fellow actor Eric Roberts, who reportedly praised French’s “raw, truthful, and powerful presence” on set.
French’s career began with the 2015 miniseries *Texas Rising* — a fitting debut for a man who bled red, white, and blue. The series, which chronicled the fight for Texas independence, also featured conservative favorites like Bill Paxton and Ray Liotta. From there, French landed roles in *Fear the Walking Dead* and starred in the 2023 independent thriller *Joe Haladin: The Case of the Missing Sister*.
Yet no role meant more to him than the one he played off-camera: father. French was a devoted dad to his 12-year-old daughter Madison, and according to Sinacore, he spoke about her “often with pride and tenderness.”
French’s passing is a reminder that real heroes don’t always wear capes — sometimes, they wear the badge of an onscreen federal agent or the quiet humility of a man who lived for God, country, and family. He is survived by Madison, her mother Melinda Acosta, his parents Thomas and Evelyn, and his brothers Andy and Danny.
A funeral service honoring his life will be held on Friday, May 16 at First Baptist Church in Valley Mills, Texas — a fitting final tribute to a man who never forgot where he came from.
In an age of Hollywood egos and left-wing activism, Samuel French stood apart — a steady presence, a hardworking actor, and a patriotic Texan who brought honor to every role he took on. He may be gone, but his legacy — like the Lone Star State — endures.
