Julian Sands
(Picture: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)A hiker reported as missing in the San Gabriel mountains in southern California has been named as British actor Julian Sands.
The 65-year-old actor was reported missing in the Baldy Bowl area on Friday evening, with searches by local authorities continuing over the weekend.
He is known for his roles in films A Room With A View, Leaving Las Vegas and Warlock, as well as TV appearances on 24, Smallville and Banshee.
It comes as the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s department urged hikers to “think twice and heed warnings” following treacherous weather in the region.
The force said its search and rescue teams had responded to 14 calls on Mount Baldy and in the surrounding area over the last four weeks.
An immediate search had begun for the actor but was called off 24 hours later due to avalanche risks and poor trail conditions, according to Variety, which also cited the sheriff's department.
“On Friday, January 13, at about 7:30 pm, a hiker, identified as 65-year-old Julian Sands of North Hollywood was reported missing in the Baldy Bowl area,” a spokesperson for the department said, in a statement shared with the PA news agency.
“Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue crews responded and began a search. Because of avalanche risks and trail conditions, the ground crews were pulled off the mountain on Saturday evening.
“However, we continue to search by helicopter and drones when the weather permits.”
The sheriff’s department had issued an advisory on Thursday warning that “severe weather”, following weeks of storms that dumped torrential rain and heavy snow across California, has made the area dangerous for outdoor recreation.
It urged hikers to think twice before walking the trails amid “extremely dangerous” conditions.
Film producer Cassian Elwes, brother of Robin Hood star Cary and a family friend of Sands, said: “I’ve known since Friday that my friend Julian Sands has been missing on mt baldy.
“I’m devastated. A very close family friend who was an adventurer in everything he did. I’ve said many prayers.”
Screenwriter Brian Lynch, whose credits include Secret Life of Pets and Minions, added: “Oh no! I love Julian Sands! I hope he is found ASAP.”
Fellow actor Melanie Kinnaman wrote: “Our friend Julian Sands has been missing from a hiking trip in the mountains of Southern California for nearly one week... Please send prayers for his safe return.”
Sands, who most recently played the chief medical officer in the 2021 Jack Lowden and Peter Capaldi-led drama Benediction, has lived in Los Angeles since 2020.
From 1984 to 1987 he was married to future Evening Standard and Today editor Sarah Sands, with whom he shares a son, while he also has two daughters with journalist Evgenia Citkowitz, whom he married in 1990.
