Michael Madsen, Star of ‘Kill Bill’ and ‘Reservoir Dogs,’ Dies at 67
Veteran actor Michael Madsen, best known for his unforgettable roles in Quentin Tarantino’s cult classics like Kill Bill and Reservoir Dogs, has passed away at the age of 67. His publicist, Liz Rodriguez, confirmed the news, revealing that Madsen suffered cardiac arrest and was found unresponsive at his Malibu home on Thursday morning.
“Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many,” said his managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith of Bohemia Entertainment in a joint statement with Rodriguez.
Authorities confirmed the actor’s death at 8:25 a.m. local time. According to Sgt. Christopher Jauregui of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, no foul play is suspected.
A Legendary Career
Madsen built a prolific career over four decades, often playing tough, enigmatic characters with a quiet intensity. He found fame through several collaborations with Quentin Tarantino, most notably as the sadistic Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs, and as Sidewinder Budd in Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. He also appeared in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood and The Hateful Eight.
Beyond Tarantino’s films, Madsen’s diverse filmography includes roles in Thelma & Louise (1991), Species (1995), Donnie Brasco (1997), Die Another Day (2002), and Sin City (2005). While many of his projects were in the indie or B-movie scene, he consistently returned to major productions with memorable performances.
“I get involved in a good project now and then to keep things going … every movie you make can’t be great, no matter who you are,” Madsen once said in a DVD interview.
Personal Struggles
Madsen’s off-screen life was not without hardship. He faced legal issues including a DUI and a domestic battery charge in recent years. He was candid about his battles, saying in a 2020 interview with The Independent that he experienced “terrible, terrible times.”
Tragedy struck in 2022 when his son Hudson died by suicide while serving in the military in Hawaii. “I didn’t see any signs of depression,” Madsen said at the time. “It’s so tragic and sad. I’m just trying to make sense of everything.”
A Life Still in Motion
Despite his personal challenges, Madsen never stopped working. At the time of his death, he had over 320 acting credits and 18 projects in development, including Resurrection Road, Concessions, and Cookbook for Southern Housewives—a 1970s crime drama set in the American South.
He was also working on a poetry and memoir collection titled Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems, showcasing another side of his artistry.
“You’ll make a great film when you least expect it,” he said in a 2008 interview with Vulture. “I just want longevity.”
Michael Madsen leaves behind a complex legacy: one marked by raw talent, unforgettable screen presence, and a passion for storytelling—both on camera and off.
