Actor Julian Sands “sought a challenge” and “always had to take the hard path”, according to his ex-wife.
Former Evening Standard editor Sarah Sands says the Hollywood star was “restless… both artistically and geographically”. The Mirror reports the pair were married from 1984 to 1987 and share a son.
Sands went missing in San Gabriel, Southern California in January, an event that sparked a five-month search. His remains were found in the mountains by hikers in June.
The 65-year-old was best-known for his breakout role in the 1985 romantic period drama A Room With A View, in which he starred alongside Helena Bonham Carter. He later became a succesful horror actor.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Sarah Sands said that as her then-husband’s career had taken off, he became “restless”. She says he later left her to move to California.
She explained: “Julian had to dismantle perfection. Just when all had come good with the film and we had (son) Henry, at that point his restlessness took over. He didn’t leave me for anyone else. There wasn’t a plan. He just said he was going to California.
“He always had to take the hard path. Even at the end he sought the challenge. That was why he pushed himself beyond the limits of human endurance on the mountain.”
The actor was well known for his love of hiking and the outdoors. His friends and family considered him to be an experienced mountaineer.
Prior to the discovery of his remains, his hiking partner and fellow actor Kevin Ryan said that he was “the most advanced hiker I know”.
Sarah Sands says her ex-husband was always keen to get out, describing home as “base camp”. She added: “It’s hard to think of him being old. He was restless, curious; both artistically and geographically an adventurer.”
Memorial services for Sands are set to take place in the UK and LA. Although no details have been released by his family.
