Julian Sands

Julian Richard Morley Sands (4 January 1958 – c. 13 January 2023) was an acclaimed English actor. His breakout role was as George Emerson in A Room with a View (1985). He demonstrated a versatile acting range in films such as The Killing Fields (1984), Gothic (1986), and Warlock (1989), amongst others. On television, his notable roles include portraying Nick Hardaway in Rose Red (2002), Vladimir Bierko in 24 (2006), Jor-El in Smallville (2009–2010), and voicing Valmont in Jackie Chan Adventures (2000–2002). In 2023, he tragically went missing while hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains northeast of Los Angeles. His remains were discovered in June of that year.

Sands was born in Otley, West Riding of Yorkshire, England, the son of a soil analyst and a local Conservative party councillor. He pursued his passion for acting at the Central School of Speech and Drama. In his acting career, Sands started with supporting roles in films like Oxford Blues (1984) and quickly moved to leading roles. He made the strategic move to Hollywood for bigger opportunities, with successful ventures across a variety of roles. He also made notable contributions to television, lending his voice for animation series and appearing in successful TV shows. Apart from his film and television career, he also made his mark in theatre. Sands was twice married and fathered three children. He lived in Los Angeles with his family.