Michael Madsen, Star of ‘Reservoir Dogs’ and ‘Kill Bill,’ Dies at 67
Throughout his career, Madsen appeared in over 325 film and television projects.
Twitter
Veteran actor Michael Madsen, known for his gritty, unforgettable roles in Quentin Tarantino films like Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, has died at the age of 67.
Madsen died from cardiac arrest.
He was found unresponsive at his Malibu home early that morning and was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:25 a.m., according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Authorities say no foul play is suspected.
Madsen, born in Chicago on September 25, 1957, built a decades-long career as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable “tough guys.” His film debut came in 1983’s WarGames, but it was his performance as the sadistic Mr. Blonde in 1992’s Reservoir Dogs that cemented his place in cinematic history.
He went on to star as Budd in Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2 and later appeared in Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Throughout his career, Madsen appeared in over 325 film and television projects. He was also a published poet, with a new book, Tears for My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems, scheduled for release next year.
Tarantino wrote the foreword, praising Madsen’s reflections on masculinity and personal evolution.
“Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors,” his representatives said in a joint statement.
“He had recently completed work on several independent films and was looking forward to a vibrant new chapter in his life.”
Tributes poured in from colleagues.
Actor Harvey Keitel, 86, told The Post, “We’ve lost another great American poet. Farewell, my dear friend.” Actress Vivica A. Fox remembered him as “a talented man with an amazing on-screen presence.”
Madsen’s personal life was marked by both love and tragedy. He filed for divorce from his third wife, DeAnna, in 2024 after 28 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple had suffered the loss of their son Hudson to suicide in 2022. Madsen is survived by DeAnna and their children.
Known for his brooding screen persona, Madsen once said, “I think I’ve been more believable than I should have been. People really fear me. But I’m not that guy. I’m a father, I’m married. I’m just an actor.”
Michael Madsen’s legacy lives on through his many iconic roles, his poetry, and the respect he earned across generations of filmmakers and fans.