Michael Madsen, the American actor known for his roles in Kill Bill’ and ‘Reservoir Dogs, passed away on Thursday.
Liz Rodriguez, his publicist, disclosed that the 67-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest and was found unresponsive in his home in Malibu, California.
He was pronounced dead at 8:25 a.m. local time. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said no foul play is suspected.
Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many,” Rodriguez said in a joint statement with his managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith of Bohemia Entertainment.
Born on September 25, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, Madsen carved a path in Hollywood with his brooding screen presence, often playing tough, tormented, or menacing characters.
He was the son of Elaine Madsen, a filmmaker and author, and Calvin Madsen, a firefighter and navy veteran.
Madsen began his acting career in television in the early 1980s, making an early impression on the series ‘St. Elsewhere’. But it was his transition to film, notably in Ridley Scott’s Thelma & Louise’ (1991), that started to earn him popularity.
His breakout came in 1992 with Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs’, in which he portrayed the infamous Mr. Blonde. The role marked the beginning of a partnership with Tarantino, leading to performances in Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2, The Hateful Eight, and ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.
Madsen’s appeared in over 300 television shows and film, including ‘Die Another Day (2002), Sin City (2005), Donnie Brasco (1997), Wyatt Earp (1994) and Renegade (2004).
Despite his on-screen success, Madsen’s personal life was turbulent. He faced a string of legal issues, including a 2012 arrest after a fight with his son, and multiple run-ins with the law for alleged domestic violence and driving under the influence.
He filed for divorce from his wife DeAnna Madsen in 2024.
At the time of his death, Madsen had 18 film projects in development and was working on a book titled Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems.
According to his team, his most recent film work included roles in Resurrection Road, Concessions, and Cookbook for Southern Housewives.
