As was reported on January 13th 2023, British actor and horror genre regular Julian Sands was listed as missing after a hiking expedition in the California mountains. Sadly, it has been confirmed that remains found in the area on June 24th are those of Sands and the actor was confirmed deceased on June 27th, he was 65 years old.
Perhaps most known to genre fans for his starring role in Steve Miner’s 1989 film Warlock and its 1993 sequel, Sands was a horror genre regular, dipping in and out throughout his prolific career. Beginning in 1985 Sand’s landed a role in After Darkness, directed by Halloween 5’s Dominique Othenin-Girard. This would be immediately followed with another genre role in Freddie Francis’ The Doctor and the Devils. In 1986 Sands would be cast in Ken Russell’s seminal psychological-horror Gothic opposite Gabriel Byrne. Shortly after with Warlock, Sands landed the role of Dr James Atherton in 1990’s hit creature-feature Arachnophobia. Other genre roles include 1998’s Phantom of the Opera and 2001’s Stephen King miniseries Rose Red.
Sands was just as prolific away from the genre, proving himself a dramatic actor of the highest calibre with 1985’s A Room with a View. The actor would provide a comedic turn in 1988’s Vibes, and continue to demonstrate a chameleon-like aptitude for roles with turns in 1994’s Naked Lunch, 1995’s harrowing Leaving Las Vegas, 2007’s Ocean’s Thirteen and 2011’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
On television, Sands was arguably best known for his portrayal of Vladimir Bierko in 24, but also had multi-episode arcs in shows such as Smallville, Lipstick Jungle, Ghost Whisperer and Gotham.
Julian Sands is survived by his wife of 33 years Evgenia Citkowitz and his 3 children. A huge loss to the film industry he will be missed by many, rest in peace Julian.
