“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.”
Sinacore’s emotional tribute painted a picture of a man who lived for the craft but remained grounded in his love for his family. He also reflected on French’s deep devotion to his 12-year-old daughter, Madison, a source of constant joy and motivation.
“He loved her deeply and spoke of her often with pride and tenderness,” Sinacore said. “His friendship had an unexpectedly profound impact on my life.”
French and Sinacore had remained active in their work right up until French’s final days. A heartfelt photo shared by Sinacore just before the public announcement showed the late actor alongside him and fellow actor Eric Roberts on the Towpath set.
“For Sam, a dream come true to be in a scene with Eric. After their last take together, Eric acknowledged the raw, truthful and powerful presence that Sam brought to the scene,” Sinacore recalled.
Despite coming to acting later in life, French made a powerful impression in every role. He rejected the allure of Hollywood glitz, instead choosing to develop his craft in Texas, where he traveled between Austin and Dallas before landing his breakout role in the 2015 History Channel miniseries Texas Rising, alongside A-list names like Ray Liotta, Bill Paxton, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
That performance opened new doors, leading to appearances in the popular spinoff Fear the Walking Dead, where he played the character Ben in 2020, and a starring role in Joe Haladin: The Case of the Missing Sister in 2023.
His work eventually caught the attention of Martin Scorsese himself, who cast him in the Oscar-nominated epic Killers of the Flower Moon. French portrayed FBI Agent CJ Robinson, a lawman tasked with investigating a series of horrific murders of Native Americans in 1920s Oklahoma. Though the film earned 10 Oscar nominations — including Best Picture — it walked away empty-handed at the awards ceremony.
Now, fans and fellow artists alike are left remembering French not just for the characters he brought to life, but for the integrity and heart he poured into everything he did — on screen and off.
Samuel French is survived by his daughter’s mother, Melinda Acosta, his parents Thomas and Evelyn, and his brothers Andy and Danny.
A memorial service honoring his life will be held Friday, May 16, at the First Baptist Church in Valley Mills, Texas.
Though gone far too soon, Samuel French’s spirit — fierce, humble, and unrelenting — continues to echo in the roles he played and the lives he touched.
