American actor Michael Madsen, renowned for his roles in Kill Bill and Reservoir Dogs, died on Thursday.
According to his publicist, Liz Rodriguez, the 67-year-old was discovered unresponsive at his Malibu residence after going into cardiac arrest.
He was declared dead at 8:25 a.m. local time, with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirming that no foul play is suspected.
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“Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many,” Rodriguez shared the news in a joint statement alongside his managers, Susan Ferris and Ron Smith of Bohemia Entertainment.
Michael Madsen, born on September 25, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, made a name for himself in Hollywood by often portraying gritty, troubled, or intimidating characters.
He was born to Elaine Madsen, a writer and filmmaker, and Calvin Madsen, who served as both a firefighter and a Navy veteran.
Madsen launched his acting journey on television in the early 1980s, gaining early recognition with an appearance on St. Elsewhere. However, his move to the big screen—particularly in Ridley Scott’s Thelma & Louise (1991)—marked the beginning of his rise to prominence.
His breakthrough arrived in 1992 with Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, where he played the notorious Mr. Blonde. That performance sparked a lasting collaboration with Tarantino, resulting in roles in Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.
Throughout his career, Madsen featured in more than 300 films and television productions, with notable appearances in Die Another Day (2002), Sin City (2005), Donnie Brasco (1997), Wyatt Earp (1994), and Renegade (2004).
Despite his achievements in film and television, Madsen’s personal life was marked by challenges. He encountered several legal troubles over the years, including a 2012 arrest following an altercation with his son, as well as other incidents involving allegations of domestic violence and DUI. In 2024, he filed for divorce from his wife, DeAnna Madsen.
At the time of his passing, Madsen was involved in 18 film projects that were still in development and was also working on a book titled Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems.
His team revealed that his latest film appearances included roles in Resurrection Road, Concessions, and Cookbook for Southern Housewives.
