Human remains were recently discovered by hikers in the Mount Baldy wilderness outside Los Angeles, and they have now been identified as those of British actor Julian Sands, who had been missing since January. The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department confirmed the identification in a statement, expressing gratitude to the volunteers who had worked tirelessly to locate Sands. The manner of his death is still under investigation.
Sands was known for his love of the outdoors and was an avid hiker. He went missing on January 13 after embarking on a hike in the Baldy Bowl Trail area of the San Gabriel Mountains. Despite the efforts of the sheriff’s department and volunteers, his disappearance remained a mystery for months due to the severe winter conditions in the area.
In a 2020 interview with the Thrive Global website, Sands expressed his passion for outdoor adventures and the importance of physical fitness in his life as an actor. He enjoyed the endless possibilities and beauty that the local mountains offered and embraced an outdoors lifestyle in Los Angeles, where he was based.
Throughout his career, Sands had several notable roles that left a lasting impression on audiences. He captivated viewers as the romantic lead in the critically acclaimed film “A Room With a View” (1985), where he played opposite Helena Bonham Carter. He also gained recognition for portraying a son of Satan in the “Warlock” movies and as a Latvian pimp in “Leaving Las Vegas” (1995).
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Sands was known for his willingness to take on challenging and unconventional roles. He portrayed a shapeshifting centipede in David Cronenberg’s “Naked Lunch” (1991) and the surgeon who amputates his obsession in Jennifer Lynch’s controversial film “Boxing Helena” (1993).
One of his earliest breakout roles was in the film “The Killing Fields” (1984), where he played a British photographer during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. The film received an Oscar nomination for Best Picture and showcased Sands’ talent as a young actor.
Sands’ career spanned decades, and he continued to take on diverse and interesting roles. He portrayed Shelley in Ken Russell’s “Gothic” (1986), Franz Liszt in James Lapine’s “Impromptu” (1991), and the masked man in a version of “The Phantom of the Opera” (1998), among others.
In addition to his film work, Sands also appeared on television in shows like “Smallville,” “24,” “The L Word,” “Person of Interest,” “Gotham,” “Elementary,” and “The Blacklist.”
Survivors include Sands’ second wife, writer Evgenia Citkowitz, whom he married in 1990, and their three children.
In his Thrive Global interview, Sands spoke about the transformative experience of hiking and the connection it creates with nature. He described it as a journey of humility and self-discovery, where one can lose themselves and become one with their surroundings.
The discovery of Julian Sands’ remains brings closure to his family and loved ones, who have held onto hope during the months of searching. They remember him as a wonderful father, husband, nature lover, and talented performer. Sands’ legacy as an actor will live on through his memorable roles and the impact he made in the film industry.
