Actor Michael Madsen, known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs" and "Kill Bill," has passed away at the age of 67. He was found unresponsive by police responding to a 911 call at his home in Malibu, California. His manager stated that the cause of death was a heart attack, and police reported that foul play is not suspected. The Hollywood Reporter mourned, stating, "Michael Madsen balanced intensity and self-reflection in the films he appeared in. Whether delivering chilling dialogue or quietly capturing moments behind the camera, his dedication to storytelling remained unwavering. He infused every role with edge and soul, and his lasting impact on American cinema is undeniable."
Michael Madsen was born in 1957 in Chicago, Illinois, and began his acting career in the 1980s. He gained worldwide attention for his role as the cold-blooded 'Mr. Blonde' in Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs" in 1992. He also delivered an outstanding performance as the complex character Bud, a former colleague betrayed by the protagonist Bride (Uma Thurman), in "Kill Bill" (2003), which he also worked on with Tarantino. He often expressed immense trust in Tarantino, referring to him as "a director on par with Alfred Hitchcock." In addition to his collaborations with Tarantino, including "The Hateful Eight" (2015) and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" (2019), he showcased impressive performances in over 300 films, including "Thelma & Louise" (1991), "Donnie Brasco" (1997), and "Sin City" (2005).
His sister Virginia Madsen, who was also nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress for "Sideways" (2004), wrote on Facebook, "We are mourning not a myth but flesh, blood, and a fierce heart. I will miss his jokes, his sudden laughter, and his voice. I will miss the boy before he became a legend. I miss my brother." Meanwhile, Michael Madsen was actively acting until recently and was also a poet who published several poetry collections. In recent years, he faced personal tragedies, including the suicide of his eldest son, Hudson Madsen, at the age of 26 in 2022, and a divorce after 28 years of marriage in 2024.
