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Julian Sands\u2019 ex-wife has said the late British actor \u2018always had to take the hard path\u2019 and even at the end of his life had \u2018sought a challenge\u2019.<\/p>\n
Sarah Sands, former editor of the Evening Standard, said that Sands was \u2018restless\u2026 both artistically and geographically\u2019.<\/p>\n
The pair were married from 1984 until 1987 and share a son.<\/p>\n
Sands, 65, went missing in the San Gabriel mountains in southern California in January, prompting a manhunt that lasted for over five months.<\/p>\n
His remains were found by civilian hiker Bill Dwyer and a group in June.<\/p>\n
A public information officer for the San Bernardino County Sheriff\u2019s Department later issued an update, telling\u00a0People that Sands\u2019 cause of death was ruled \u2018undetermined due to the condition of the body.\u2019<\/p>\n
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Speaking to the Daily Mail in her first interview, Sarah said that as her then-husband\u2019s career had taken off, he had become \u2018restless\u2019, and had later left her to move to California.<\/p>\n
\u2018Julian had to dismantle perfection,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n
\u2018Just when all had come good with the film and we had (son) Henry, at that point his restlessness took over.<\/p>\n
\u2018He didn\u2019t leave me for anyone else. There wasn\u2019t a plan. He just said he was going to California.\u2019<\/p>\n
The actor 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, and he later transitioned successfully to the horror genre.<\/p>\n
Sarah added: \u2018He always had to take the hard path. Even at the end, he sought the challenge.<\/p>\n
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\u2018That was why he pushed himself beyond the limits of human endurance on the mountain.\u2019<\/p>\n
Sands was known for his love of the outdoors and hiking in the surrounding areas and was considered an experienced and competent mountaineer by his friends.<\/p>\n
Prior to the discovery of his remains, his hiking partner and fellow actor Kevin Ryan told the PA news agency that he was \u2018the most advanced hiker I know\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u2018It\u2019s hard to think of him being old. He was restless, curious; both artistically and geographically an adventurer,\u2019 Sarah added in her candid interview.<\/p>\n
\u2018I couldn\u2019t imagine him being imprisoned in any way; through illness or old age. Grounded, he\u2019d call it.<\/p>\n
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\u2018He used to refer to home as \u201cbase camp\u201d.\u2019<\/p>\n
Sands\u2019 family is reportedly planning memorial services in Los Angeles and the UK later this year, though no details have been made public.<\/p>\n
The actor is survived by his wife of 29 years Evgenia Citkowitz, and three children. <\/p>\n