Actor Michael Madsen, best known for his tough-guy roles in Hollywood classics like “Reservoir Dogs” and “Kill Bill”, has died unexpectedly at the age of 67.
Madsen was found unresponsive early Thursday morning at his Malibu, California home, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which confirmed his death at the scene around 8:25 a.m. He reportedly died of cardiac arrest, and officials say no foul play is suspected.
Madsen’s death marks the loss of one of Hollywood’s most distinctive and gritty performers. Over his four-decade career, he starred in more than 325 films and became a staple in Quentin Tarantino’s filmography, playing iconic roles like Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs and Budd in Kill Bill Volumes 1 and 2.
Born in Chicago on September 25, 1957, Madsen made his film debut in 1983’s WarGames and rose to fame through a mix of indie hits and mainstream blockbusters. He was the brother of actress Virginia Madsen.
He also appeared in Thelma & Louise, Donnie Brasco, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Statement from his team
Madsen’s managers, Ron Smith and Susan Ferris, along with publicist Liz Rodriguez, released a statement following his death:
“In the last two years Michael Madsen has been doing some incredible work with independent film including upcoming feature films Resurrection Road, Concessions, and Cookbook for Southern Housewives. He was really looking forward to this next chapter in his life.”
They added that he had been preparing to release a new book of poetry titled Tears for My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems.
Tributes from co-stars
Actor Harvey Keitel, 86, who starred alongside Madsen in Reservoir Dogs, reacted to the news:
“We’ve lost another great American poet. Farewell, my dear friend… Give Chris [Penn] a hug for me.”
Vivica A. Fox, 60, Madsen’s co-star in Kill Bill, also paid tribute:
“Michael was a talented man with an amazing on-screen presence. My deepest condolences and prayers to his family.”
Personal life marred by tragedy
Despite his cinematic success, Madsen’s personal life in recent years was marked by loss and legal troubles.
In 2022, Madsen’s son Hudson died by suicide at age 26 — a tragedy that deeply affected him. Last September, Madsen filed for divorce from his wife DeAnna after 28 years of marriage. In the court filing, he blamed her for their son’s death, citing “neglect, drinking, and alcoholism.”
He also requested a restraining order against her.
In August 2023, Madsen was arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery. He posted a $20,000 bond, and no charges were filed due to insufficient evidence.
“It was a disagreement between Michael and his wife, which we hope resolves positively for them both,” his representative said at the time.
A poet at heart
Though he was known for playing violent and intimidating characters, Madsen saw himself as more than just a Hollywood “bad boy.”
“Fame is a two-edge sword,” he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018.
“I think people really fear me… But I’m not that guy. I’m just an actor… I’m a father. I’ve got seven children.”
He preferred to stay home watching The Rifleman and being a dad. He also embraced poetry, publishing several volumes, with Quentin Tarantino writing the foreword to his upcoming book.
“I’d rather have a movie like Reservoir Dogs than not have it,” he said.
“There are a lot of actors more famous than me who’ve never done even one film people remember.”
Legacy and survivors
Madsen is survived by:
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His sisters, Virginia and Cheryl
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His children, including actor Christian Madsen, 35
Though he often played menacing figures onscreen, Michael Madsen left behind a career of unforgettable performances, and a life marked by both talent and turmoil.
