The tragic discovery of Julian Sands' remains on Mount Baldy has brought a somber end to the search for the beloved actor. Sands, known for his roles in films like "A Room with a View" and "Arachnophobia," vanished in January while hiking, an activity he passionately pursued for decades. A resurfaced interview with Radio Times offers poignant insights into Sands' relationship with the mountains, including chilling encounters with human remains and his understanding of the inherent risks.
In the interview, Sands recounted finding "spooky things" on mountains, particularly in areas known for fatalities. He described these encounters not as supernatural, but "hypernatural," where the raw power of nature reveals itself, pushing individuals beyond their usual perceptions. He acknowledged the inherent dangers of climbing, noting that friends had abandoned the pursuit due to climate change destabilizing rock faces and the increasing risks with age.
Sands viewed climbing as both "solace and a sort of existentialist self-negation, but equally a self-affirmation." He believed that navigating treacherous mountains prepared him for the challenges of life as an actor. His last hike began on January 13th on Mount Baldy in Southern California. He embarked on this adventure despite acknowledging the increasing perils of the activity.
Sands' disappearance prompted extensive searches, hampered by extreme weather, which ultimately culminated in the identification of his remains in late June. A 2020 interview with The Guardian revealed Sands' profound connection with mountains, expressing his greatest joy when near a summit on a cold morning. He even shared a near-death experience in the Andes during a severe storm in the early '90s, highlighting the ever-present risks he faced.
Mike Figgis, a frequent collaborator, recalled Sands discussing natural burials on mountains, allowing his body to become part of the natural cycle. A final email to friend and actor Gabriel Byrne encapsulated Sands' philosophy: "Most mountaineers understand that the true summit is within. The high point on a peak is simply that, but the experience of the approach…is where true fulfillment is found."
No official cause of death has been released.
