John Malkovich revealed he and missing actor Julian Sands are ‘very close’ (Picture: Rune Hellestad/UPI/Shutterstock)

John Malkovich has spoken about the search for British actor Julian Sands which is nearing its sixth week.

The British actor was first reported missing in the Mounty Baldy area of the San Gabriel mountains more than five weeks ago, after failing to return from a hike.

John, 69, said this week that he and Julian, 65, are ‘very close’ and shared an insight into their friendship.

The award-winning actor made the remarks at the Berlin Film Festival this week, where he’s promoting his new film, Seneca.

‘Julian and I were very, very close,’ the star noted.

‘I’m a godfather to his first son from his first marriage to Sarah, who I know very well.’

Award-winner John, pictured with Julian, called the situation ‘very sad’ (Picture: Richard Young/REX/Shutterstock)

John and Julian met on the set of 1993’s The Killing Fields (Picture: Enigma/Goldcrest/Kobal/REX)

He added, according to Deadline: ‘I introduced him to his second wife, and we have been close since we met in 1993 on the set of The Killing Fields. It’s a very sad event.’

John’s comments came as authorities vowed to ‘bring closure’ to the family of Julian after further ground searches over the weekend yielded no results.

Numerous searches have already taken place on foot and by air, with both state and federal agencies using special technology to help pinpoint a more accurate location to focus their efforts.

Julian has been missing since last month (Picture: PA)

A spokesperson for the sheriff’s department told the PA news agency that ground searches – which had been recently hampered by poor conditions on the mountain – had taken place on Saturday.

‘On February 18, over 20 members of the Fontana Sheriff’s Station and the West Valley Search and Rescue team conducted a ground search in the Mt Baldy area,’ the spokesperson said.

‘The crew members focused on the area where the California Highway Patrol’s Recco device hit on a possible electronic device on January 25.

‘Unfortunately, nothing was found that would lead to the discovery of Mr Sands.’

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‘With the imminent storm approaching, ground searches for Mr Sands will be delayed for some time,’ they added.

‘Our goal is to bring closure to the family of Mr Sands and when we can, we will try this again.’

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The British actor failed to return from a hike.