Michael Madsen, the actor best known for his gritty roles in Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs and K*ll Bill: Vols. 1 & 2, has d**d at the age of 67.
According to his representative, Madsen was found unresponsive at his home in Malibu on Thursday morning. The cause of death is believed to be cardiac arrest per Variety.
“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,’ and was really looking forward to this next chapter in his life. Michael was also preparing to release a new book called ‘Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems’ currently being edited,” Madsen’s managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith and publicist Liz Rodriguez said in a statement. “Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”
Michael Madsen was an American actor known for his tough-guy roles and deep, gravelly voice. Born on September 25, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, he began his acting career in the early 1980s and quickly gained attention for his intense screen presence. He became widely recognized for his work in Quentin Tarantino’s films, especially his portrayal of the sadistic Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs (1992), a performance that became one of his most iconic.
Madsen went on to star in K*ll Bill: Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, playing Budd, the washed-up brother of Bill. His collaborations with Tarantino helped solidify his status as a cult favorite in Hollywood. Over the years, he appeared in more than 150 films, including Donnie Brasco, Sin City, Thelma & Louise, and Free Willy. He was often cast as a villain, gangster, or anti-hero, but also showed a softer side in some family-friendly and dramatic roles.
Beyond acting, Madsen was a published poet and author, known for his gritty, emotional writing style. He also had a love for photography and motorcycles and was known for his rugged, rebellious image offscreen.
Despite personal struggles, including battles with addiction and family hardships, Madsen remained a respected and prolific figure in film. He had five children, including actor Christian Madsen, and was married to DeAnna Madsen.
In 2024, Madsen was a**ested on domestic battery charges following an alter**tion with his estranged wife, DeAnna. The couple shared a son, Hudson, who tragically d**d by s*icide in 2022, according to Variety.
