Julian Sands – latest news: Missing actor ‘knows Mount Baldy backwards’ as phone pings reveal fresh details

Missing actor Julian Sands is “always prepared” and knows the mountain where he is missing “backwards”, a fellow actor has said.

Irish actor Kevin Ryan described Sands, who is missing in a mountainous area in southern California, as a “powerful hiker”, adding: “If anyone can get through this, he can.”

Sands was reported missing one week ago. He was thought to have been somewhere on the popular Baldy Bowl Trail, which climbs 3,900 feet over 4.5 miles to the highest summit in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Police revealed on Friday that Sands, best known for films such as A Room With a View and Arachnophobia, appeared to be on the move two days after he was reported missing, according to data from his mobile phone.

Phone pings attempted since then have failed, police said, likely due to the actor’s phone running out of battery.

It comes after The Independent revealed images sent from Sands to his grandson Billy in September, which show the father-of-three mountaineering.

Search and rescue crews looking for Sands were initially forced to suspend the search over the weekend because of an avalanche threat. Snow and fog has continued to hinder the search in the days since.

The Independent understands that Sands’ son Henry joined the search, retracing the route his father took, with the assistance of an experienced climber.

Key points

• Phone pings suggest Sands was on the move two days after being reported missing

• Exclusive photos show Sands on snow-clad mountain peak in September

• Ground rescue operation currently halted due to avalanche threat

Police update: Sands is believed to have still been on the move on Sunday

07:42 , Ellie Harrison

Sands appeared to be on the move two whole days after he was first reported missing.

A spokesperson for San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said: “On January 15, 2023, phone pings showed Sands to be heading to the Mount Baldy area.

“Additional phone pings from the cell provider were attempted but were unsuccessful, due to the lack of cell service and most likely cell phone power failure.”

Why have so many hikers recently gone missing on the California mountains?

15:45 , Isobel Lewis

Julian Sands went missing last week, beginning the 14th rescue mission to be carried out on Mount Baldy in January alone.

Increasingly cold temperatures and a series of super-storms, with conditions including wind-blown sheets of thick ice, avalanche risk and heavy snow, have meant that police are often unable to carry out rescue efforts on the ground.

The Independent’s Josh Marcus reports...

Julian Sands is the latest. Is climate change causing this slew of hiker tragedies?

Actor who hiked Mount Baldy with Sands says Arachnophobia star knows mountain 'backwards’

15:10 , Isobel Lewis

Irish actor Kevin Ryan has tweeted his own message of hope for Sands’ safe recovery, explaining that he frequently hikes with the actor in Los Angeles.

“Julian, please be ok!” Ryan wrote. “I hike with Julian in Los Angeles and he introduced me to #mtbaldy He is a powerful hiker & always prepared. If anyone can get through this he can. I know he knows that mountain backwards.”

14:02 , Jacob Stolworthy

We have put together a timeline of Julian Sands’ disappearance, compliling all the updates so far from the past week.

Read more here.

A timeline of missing Julian Sands’ disappearance

13:30 , Jacob Stolworthy

olice have revealed that two hikers have died within the last four weeks attempting to climb the trail on Mount Baldy and the surrounding area.

“The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is asking everyone to follow these simple tips to keep yourself and others safe,” they wrote.

• Heed all posted warning signs

• Look at weather conditions (both current and forecasted) for the area

• Make sure you have the proper gear, training and are properly prepared for alpine conditions (Crampons, ice axe, proper clothing)

• Hike with a partner

• Bring a tracking or GPS device such as a SPOT Device or INREACH Device

• Make sure your cell phone has a full charge and bring a charged extra power pack for it

• Let someone know where and when you are going, and what time you will be back

• Most importantly- If you don’t know, please don’t go!

Read the full Facebook post here.

12:50 , Jacob Stolworthy

Fellow actors and friends of Julian Sands – including Rufus Sewell (The Man in the High Castle), Barbara Crampton (From Beyond), Frances Fisher (Titanic) and Elizabeth Perkins (About Last Night)have shared messages of concern for the actor on social media.

‘Please let him be okay’: Friends fear for missing British actor Julian Sands

Picture exclusive: Last known images of Sands mountaineering shared with The Independent

12:30 , Jacob Stolworthy

Sands’s family has shared the last known images of him mountaineering exclusively with The Independent.

A family member told The Independent: “This is how he would love to be seen, doing what he loved best – a heroic mountaineer, and thrilled to send a picture of him looking so happy to share with his beloved grandson, Billy.”

And a friend described him as “a Byronesque romantic and an adventurer who is drawn to the extremes of nature, relishing the freedom of mountains”.

Sands was scaling a section of the 14,783ft Weisshorn when the colourful pictures were taken.

Read more:

‘What he loved best’: Last pictures actor Julian Sands sent from snow-clad mountain

Produer Frank Marshall

12:10 , Jacob Stolworthy

British film producer Cassian Elwes shared his well wishes for Julian Sands.

He wrote: “I’ve known since last 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.”

Meanwhile, producer Frank Marshall has said his “thoughts” are “going out to the family of” Sands, whom he called a “dear friend and wonderful actor”.

‘No hard deadline’ for calling off the search for Julian Sands – authorities

11:50 , Jacob Stolworthy

Authorities say there is still “no hard deadline” for calling off the search for Julian Sands, one week after the British actor was first reported missing in the southern Californian mountains.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said the incident was still being classified as a search and rescue operation, though snow, sleet and fog continued to hinder operations on foot.

Authorities say there’s ‘no hard deadline’ for calling off search for Julian Sands

Actor’s car found near to where he was reported missing

10:41 , Isobel Lewis

On Thursday (19 January), Sands’ car was found in a car park near to the spot from where he set off on his hike.

The car was towed away by his family, police confirmed.

Julian Sands’ car discovered as search for missing actor continues

Sands’ name continues to trend on Twitter

09:23 , Isobel Lewis

Julian Sands’ name is still trending on Twitter this morning as fans hope he is found safe and well.

Sands shown mountaineering in pictures shared by family

08:37 , Ellie Harrison

Images sent from Sands to his grandson Billy in September, which have been given exclusively to The Independent, show the father of three using climbing gear including ropes, wearing a helmet and with a rucksack strapped tightly to his back.

‘What he loved best’: Last pictures actor Julian Sands sent from snow-clad mountain

More well wishes have been coming in for Sands

08:25 , Ellie Harrison

Matthew Modine, who starred with Sands in the 1994 film The Browning Version, tweeted: “#JulianSands is a wonderful man, husband, father, and friend to so so many. A gentle, kind soul. Keep candles burning for his safe return from the mountain he loves.”

Frank Marshall, who directed the actor in one of his most famous movies, Arachnophobia, posted: “Hope and thoughts going out to the family of my dear friend and wonderful actor, Julian Sands, who is missing on Mt Baldy. Let’s all pray for a miracle.”

Julian Sands: Prolific British film star named as missing hiker in California mountains

08:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

British actor Julian Sands has been identified as the hiker who went missing in the California mountains last week.

The 65-year-old, known for his role in the Oscar-nominated 1985 film A Room with a View, has been missing in the Mount Baldy area since Friday 13 January, according to authorities.

He was reported missing by his wife, writer Evgenia Citkowitz, on Friday evening and was thought to have been somewhere on the popular Baldy Bowl Trail in the San Gabriel Mountains. Mount Baldy is a 10,000ft peak located northeast of Los Angeles, in the Angeles National Forest.

Sands is a keen hiker and mountain-climber who once described his happiest moment as “close to a mountain summit on a glorious cold morning”.

Prolific British film star Julian Sands goes missing in California mountains

Watch: Julian Sands’ car discovered as search for missing actor continues

07:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

A car believed to belong to Julian Sands has been found by crews during a search operation for the missing British actor.

This footage shows the scene in Mount Baldy, California, as the vehicle was towed away as officials continue the search.

Mr Sands, who has starred in The Killing Fields and A Room With a View has been missing since Friday, 13 January.

The 65-year-old is thought to have been hiking along the popular Baldy Bowl Trail in the San Gabriel Mountains, according to local reports.

Julian Sands’ car discovered as search for missing actor continues

‘Doing what he loved best’: Last pictures actor Julian Sands sent to his grandson from snow-clad mountain peak

07:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The family of missing movie star Julian Sands say he was doing what he loved best when he vanished – as they released the last known images of him mountaineering.

With the hunt for the British actor in the California mountains entering its sixth day, poignant photographs that he sent to his grandson show him looking relaxed and happy while climbing well above the clouds.

‘What he loved best’: Last pictures actor Julian Sands sent from snow-clad mountain

‘So dazzling and so delightful'

06:56 , Ellie Harrison

Reverend Richard Coles has posted about Sands on Twitter as the search continues, writing: “I knew #JulianSands a bit back in the Eighties when his brother shared a mouse-infested flat with my best friend.

“He was so dazzling and so delightful and everyone who loves him is beside themselves with worry. I’m praying for his safe return.”

‘No hard deadline’ for calling off the search for Julian Sands – authorities

06:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Authorities say there is still “no hard deadline” for calling off the search for Julian Sands, one week after the British actor was first reported missing in the southern Californian mountains.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said the incident was still being classified as a search and rescue operation, though snow, sleet and fog continued to hinder operations on foot.

‘No hard deadline’ for calling off the search for Julian Sands – authorities

‘Please let him be okay’: Friends fear for missing British actor Julian Sands

06:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Friends of Julian Sands said they hope he is found to be “OK” after the “awful news” the British actor was confirmed to be missing after a hiking trip in southern California.

‘Please let him be okay’: Friends fear for missing British actor Julian Sands

Julian Sands: Who is the Hollywood British actor missing in California?

05:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Family of Julian Sands tow away car discovered in search for missing actor

05:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The family of Julian Sands have towed his car from a car park where it was discovered during a search to find the British actor who went missing after a hiking trip in southern California.

The 65-year-old was reported missing in the Baldy Bowl area of the San Gabriel mountains on Friday evening, with searches by local authorities continuing by “helicopter and drones when weather permits”.

Read the full story here:

Family of Julian Sands tow away car discovered in search for missing actor

‘Doing what he loved best’: Last pictures actor Julian Sands sent to his grandson from snow-clad mountain peak

04:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The family of missing movie star Julian Sands say he was doing what he loved best when he vanished – as they released the last known images of him mountaineering.

With the hunt for the British actor in the California mountains entering its sixth day, poignant photographs that he sent to his grandson show him looking relaxed and happy while climbing well above the clouds.

Mr Sands, who starred in more than 150 films and television series including A Room with a View, sent the pictures of himself climbing the Weisshorn mountain in the Swiss Alps to his grandson last September.

‘What he loved best’: Last pictures actor Julian Sands sent from snow-clad mountain

‘No hard deadline’ for calling off the search for Julian Sands – authorities

04:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Authorities say there is still “no hard deadline” for calling off the search for Julian Sands, one week after the British actor was first reported missing in the southern Californian mountains.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said the incident was still being classified as a search and rescue operation, though snow, sleet and fog continued to hinder operations on foot.

Read the full story by Mike Bedigan here:

‘No hard deadline’ for calling off the search for Julian Sands – authorities

Fans share clip of Sands in ‘A Room With a View'

03:30 , Tom Murray

A clip of Sands in 1985’s A Room With a View has been viewed more than 300,000 times on Twitter. The clip shows Sands embracing and kissing a young Helena Bonham Carter.

“I really hope that Julian Sands is found soon. A beautiful actor, and one half of the greatest screen kiss in cinematic history,” one person tweeted alongside the clip.

A video breakdown of the story so far, with the search ongoing.

03:00 , Inga Parkel

Vehicle believed to belong to Sands’ has been located by authorities near the trail.

02:00 , Inga Parkel

A car believed to belong to Sands was found by crews during a search operation for the missing British actor.

Footage shows the scene In Mount Baldy, California, as the vehicle was towed away as officials continue the search.

Watch the video here:

Julian Sands’ car discovered as search for missing actor continues

Sands is a ‘heroic mountaineer’ and an ‘adventurer'

01:29 , Tom Murray

The last known photos of Sands mountaineering the Swiss Alps last September before he was reported missing were sent in a text message to his beloved grandson Billy.

Exclusively shared with The Independent, his family member said of the photos: “This is how he would love to be seen, doing what he loved best – a heroic mountaineer, and thrilled to send a picture of him looking so happy to share with his beloved grandson, Billy.”

A friend additionally described Sands as “a Byronesque romantic and an adventurer who is drawn to the extremes of nature, relishing the freedom of mountains”.

Reverend Richard Coles says Sands is ‘dazzling’ and ‘delightful’

01:00 , Tom Murray

TV personality, writer and Church of England clergyman Richard Coles shared his prayers for Sands’ safe return on Twitter.

“I knew #JulianSands a bit back in the 80s when his brother shared a mouse-infested flat with my best friend,” he wrote.

“He was so dazzling and so delightful and everyone who loves him is beside themselves with worry. I’m praying for his safe return.”

Search continues by air

00:30 , Inga Parkel

With the recent avalanche warnings in the Mount Baldy area, the search and rescue teams were suspended. However, authorities confirmed they will still continue the search by air, with drones.

A refresher about what happened to Julian Sands

00:00 , Inga Parkel

On Wednesday (18 January), authorities identified Sands as the hiker who went missing in the Southern California mountains last week.

He’s been missing since Friday (13 January), when his wife, writer Evgenia Citkowitz, reported him missing. Sands was thought to have been somewhere on the popular Baldy Bowl Trail in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Mount Baldy is a 10,000ft peak located northeast of Los Angeles, in the Angeles National Forest.

Read more:

Prolific British film star named as missing hiker in California mountains

Drones are continuing to search for prolific British actor who has been missing since Friday

Stranger Things star Matthew Modine calls Sands a ‘gentle, kind soul'

Thursday 19 January 2023 23:30 , Inga Parkel

Steven Spielberg collaborator and film producer Frank Marshall sends ‘prayers'

Thursday 19 January 2023 23:00 , Inga Parkel

Who are Sands’ children?

Thursday 19 January 2023 22:30 , Inga Parkel

Sands’ three adult children have joined rescue teams in search of their father. Henry, 37, Sands’ eldest son – with whom he shares with his first wife Sarah Sands – is retracing the route his father took, with the assistance of an experienced climber.

The actor’s two daughters Natalya, 26, and Imogen, 23, with whom he shares with his wife Eugenia Citkowitz, have joined the ground search.

Thursday 19 January 2023 22:00 , Inga Parkel

Fellow actors and friends of Julian Sands – including Rufus Sewell (The Man in the High Castle), Barbara Crampton (From Beyond), Frances Fisher (Titanic) and Elizabeth Perkins (About Last Night)have shared messages of concern for the actor on social media.

Read more:

‘Please let him be okay’: Friends fear for missing British actor Julian Sands

The 65-year-old star was reported missing in the mountains of southern California

Why was the British actor in LA?

Thursday 19 January 2023 21:10 , Inga Parkel

While Sands was originally born and raised in the UK, he later moved to Hollywood in the 1980s to pursue a career in American films.

Some of his bigger titles include The Killing Fields (1984), A Room with a View (1985), Warlock (1989), Arachnophobia (1990), Boxing Helena (1993) and Leaving Las Vegas (1995).

Sands described as ‘a friend bound by Homeric qualities of loyalty and living life to the full'

Thursday 19 January 2023 20:24 , Tom Murray

In a statement shared exclusively with The Independent, a friend of Sands described him as “a Byronesque romantic and an adventurer who is drawn to the extremes of nature”.

“Julian is wild and never contained by rules or boundaries,” they said.

“He is deeply inspired by the Romantic poets and his performances of their work are spellbinding and come from a passionate love of literature.

“He is a friend bound by Homeric qualities of loyalty and living life to the full.

“He takes no prisoners and yet is as gentle and generous and sensitive as the poets he so admired.”

Picture exclusive: Last known images of Sands mountaineering shared with The Independent

Thursday 19 January 2023 19:57 , Tom Murray

Sands’s family has shared the last known images of him mountaineering exclusively with The Independent.

A family member told The Independent: “This is how he would love to be seen, doing what he loved best – a heroic mountaineer, and thrilled to send a picture of him looking so happy to share with his beloved grandson, Billy.”

And a friend described him as “a Byronesque romantic and an adventurer who is drawn to the extremes of nature, relishing the freedom of mountains”.

Sands was scaling a section of the 14,783ft Weisshorn when the colourful pictures were taken.

Read more:

‘What he loved best’: Last pictures actor Julian Sands sent from snow-clad mountain

Mount Baldy is considered one of the most dangerous peaks in the US to climb

Thursday 19 January 2023 19:00 , Inga Parkel

In recent years, several experienced hikers have died due to Mount Baldy’s icy terrain. It’s considered one of the most dangerous peaks to climb in the US.

What weather conditions did Sands disappear in?

Thursday 19 January 2023 18:30 , Inga Parkel

Sands was believed to have been hiking the popular Baldy Bowl Trail in the Mount Baldy area, which at the moment is said to be experiencing snow showers.

The actor has been missing since Friday 13 January, and according to weather forecasts, 16cm (6 inches) of snow are predicted to have fallen in the 48 hours between Sunday 15 of January at 10AM and Tuesday 17 of January at 10AM PST.

Thursday 19 January 2023 17:50 , Louis Chilton

More detail about the ongoing search can be found here...

Prolific British film star Julian Sands goes missing in California mountains

Thursday 19 January 2023 17:10 , Louis Chilton

Police have revealed that two hikers have died within the last four weeks attempting to climb the trail on Mount Baldy and the surrounding area.

“The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is asking everyone to follow these simple tips to keep yourself and others safe,” they wrote.

• Heed all posted warning signs

• Look at weather conditions (both current and forecasted) for the area

• Make sure you have the proper gear, training and are properly prepared for alpine conditions (Crampons, ice axe, proper clothing)

• Hike with a partner

• Bring a tracking or GPS device such as a SPOT Device or INREACH Device

• Make sure your cell phone has a full charge and bring a charged extra power pack for it

• Let someone know where and when you are going, and what time you will be back

• Most importantly- If you don’t know, please don’t go!

Read the full Facebook post here.

Thursday 19 January 2023 16:30 , Louis Chilton

To reshare, in case you missed it...

A vehicle believed to be Julian Sands’ car has been located by authorities near the trail.

See the video here:

Julian Sands’ car discovered as search for missing actor continues

Thursday 19 January 2023 15:50 , Louis Chilton

More of a detailed look at his career and life here...

Julian Sands, the prolific star of Arachnophobia, missing in California

Thursday 19 January 2023 15:11 , Louis Chilton

It’s a testament to the range of Sands’ talent that everybody seems to be sharing different favourite performances from him.

Whether it’s playing villains, or sidekicks, or romantic leads, there seems to be no end to the ways Sands has connected with audiences.

Take Ken Russell’s Gothic, for example...

Thursday 19 January 2023 14:40 , Louis Chilton

Friends of Julian Sands –including Rufus Sewell, Barbara Crampton, Frances Fisher and Elizabeth Perkins have shared messages of concern for the actor on social media.

Read more...

‘Please let him be okay’: Friends fear for missing British actor Julian Sands

Thursday 19 January 2023 14:10 , Louis Chilton

A bit more information on the storms that have hit California in recent days.

The extreme weather conditions have already complicated search and rescue efforts.

Read more...

Last in series of deadly California storms dumps 50 inches of snow in just three days

Thursday 19 January 2023 13:42 , Roisin O'Connor

British actor Julian Sands has gone missing while hiking in southern California.

The prolific film and TV star was reported missing by his wife, the writer Evgenia Citkowitz, after going hiking in the San Gabriel mountains on Friday 13 January. He is a keen hiker, who once described his happiest moment as “close to a mountain summit on a glorious cold morning”.

Authorities are carrying out an extensive search-and-rescue mission for the 65-year-old actor, though extreme weather conditions had caused delays and interruptions. His adult son, Henry, is assisting in the search with an experienced climber.

Julian Sands, the prolific star of Arachnophobia, missing in California

Thursday 19 January 2023 13:40 , Louis Chilton

The Archers and Casualty star Lisa Bowerman also among those sharing concern for Sands.

“Crikey. Julian. Hope this ends on a positive note. Deeply worrying,” she wrote.

Thursday 19 January 2023 13:09 , Louis Chilton

Sands has long spoken openly about his love of hiking.

In a 2020 interview with The Guardian, the actor revealed that he was at his “happiest” when he is “close to a mountain summit on a glorious cold morning”.

Thursday 19 January 2023 12:38 , Louis Chilton

Authorities have found what is believed to be Sands’ car, near the hike route.

Footage shows the vehicle being towed away as officials continue the search.

More here:

Julian Sands’ car discovered as search for missing actor continues

Thursday 19 January 2023 12:00 , Louis Chilton

Read the full story here...

Prolific British film star Julian Sands goes missing in California mountains

Thursday 19 January 2023 11:25 , Louis Chilton

Writer-director Ted Geoghegan was also among those to share a message with followers on Twitter.

“I am not a praying man,” he wrote. “I do not believe in higher powers. But I certainly hope dear, sweet Julian Sands is okay.

“Five days outside in freezing rain is no joke, and I know we would all love for him to come out this mess all right.”

Thursday 19 January 2023 10:55 , Louis Chilton

A video breakdown of the story so far, with the search ongoing.

Thursday 19 January 2023 10:25 , Louis Chilton

The Sherrif’s Department has also issued a warning on Facebook, which includes a list of precautions for hikers.

“Over the last four weeks, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams have responded to 14 rescue missions on Mt Baldy and in the surrounding area,” the post reads.

“These rescue missions have been for lost, stranded and/or injured hikers. Unfortunately, during these past 4 weeks, two hikers did not survive after falling and injuring themselves.

“Please know the current conditions on Mt Baldy are adverse and extremely dangerous. Due to the high winds, the snow has turned to ice making hiking extremely dangerous. Sheriff’s Search and Rescue efforts are often hampered by poor weather along with dangerous avalanche conditions. The recent storms that brought the snow and ice conditions are not favorable for hikers, even those that feel they have a high level of experience.”