Hollywood actor Michael Madsen passed away at his California home on Thursday morning, as reported by US media. He was 67 years old.
Authorities responded to a 911 call at his Malibu residence and found him unresponsive. He was declared dead at approximately 08:25 local time (15:25 GMT), according to The Hollywood Reporter.
It is believed that Madsen died of cardiac arrest, as confirmed by a representative.
Madsen had an extensive acting career, making him well-known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino’s films, including Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill: Vol. 2, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
In Reservoir Dogs, which is considered one of the iconic films of the 1990s, Madsen portrayed the character Mr. Blonde, earning the description of being “psycho” by fellow characters. He also gained attention for a violent scene involving a policeman.
Throughout his four-decade career, Madsen took on many TV roles as well, often playing characters in law enforcement, such as sheriffs and detectives, as well as those who broke the law, like a retired hitman in the Kill Bill franchise.
In recent years, he lent his voice to various video games, including Grand Theft Auto III and the Dishonored series.
Michael Madsen was born in Chicago in September 1957. His father was a World War II Navy veteran who later became a firefighter, and his mother was a filmmaker.
He was the sibling of Virginia Madsen, who is known for her roles in movies like Sideways, for which she received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations.
Madsen was married three times and is survived by four children, including actor Christian Madsen.
He divorced his wife of 28 years, DeAnna, in 2024, following the death of their son Hudson, as reported by People magazine.
“My brother Michael has left the stage,” his sister Virginia stated to Variety.
He was thunder and velvet. Mischief wrapped in tenderness. A poet disguised as an outlaw. A father, a son, a brother – etched in contradiction, tempered by love that left its mark.
