Michael Madsen, star of 'Reservoir Dogs' and 'Kill Bill', dies at 67

Michael Madsen, star of 'Reservoir Dogs' and 'Kill Bill', died at 67 from suspected cardiac arrest. Known for intense roles, he leaves behind a rich legacy of over 300 screen credits.

In Short

• Michael Madsen, famed actor, dies at 67 in Malibu
• Cardiac arrest is the suspected cause of death
• He acted in over 300 films since 1980s

Michael Madsen, the actor known for his intense performances in Quentin Tarantino classics such as 'Reservoir Dogs' and 'Kill Bill', has died at the age of 67.

As reported by the Associated Press, "Madsen was found unresponsive in his home in Malibu, California, on Thursday morning and pronounced dead," according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Watch Commander Christopher Jauregui.

His manager, Ron Smith, stated that cardiac arrest is believed to be the cause of death.

A CAREER SPANNING FOUR DECADES

Madsen’s acting career included more than 300 screen credits since the early 1980s, spanning a mix of independent and mainstream films. His chilling portrayal of Mr Blonde in 'Reservoir Dogs' remains one of his most iconic performances.

He was a frequent collaborator of director Quentin Tarantino, appearing in 'Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2', 'The Hateful Eight', and other films.

During a 2020 handprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre, Madsen reflected on his early days in Hollywood: “I got out, and I walked around, and I looked, and I wondered if there were someday some way that that was going to be a part of me. And I didn’t know because I didn’t know what I was going to do at that point with myself,” he said.

“I could have been a bricklayer. I could have been an architect. I could have been a garbage man. I could have been nothing. But I got lucky. I got lucky as an actor," he remarked.

His managers, Ron Smith and Susan Ferris, and publicist Liz Rodriguez released a joint statement:

“In the last two years, Michael Madsen has been doing some incredible work with independent films, including upcoming feature films Resurrection Road, Concessions, and Cookbook for Southern Housewives, and was looking forward to this next chapter in his life. He was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many."

In 2022, Madsen's son, Hudson Madsen, died by suicide, after which he was struggling with depression and substance abuse. Soon after his death, Madsen and DeAnna separated. Two years later in 2024, hewas arrested on a domestic battery charge in Malibu, California, following an alleged incident involving his wife, DeAnna Madsen.

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