Hollywood icon Michael Madsen's cause of death revealed
Authorities found Madsen unresponsive at his Malibu home early Thursday morning.
Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. His manager confirmed the cause of death as cardiac arrest.
Michael Madsen's lawyer revealed that the actor had been battling alcoholism in the years leading up to his death. 'Michael was suffering from the effects of alcoholism.
He had multiple stints in and out of rehab and struggled to maintain his sobriety. Perry Wander, who represented Madsen for two decades, said, 'Michael did not feel happy about his life.'
Family members, including his estranged wife DeAnna and sons Max, Christian, and Luke, gathered outside the Malibu home in the hours after his passing.
The family's grief was palpable as they consoled each other in the driveway, according to Daily Mail.
Michael Madsen's later years were marked by personal and legal turmoil. He faced a bitter legal battle with DeAnna over child support and finances.
His lawyer claimed this dispute, which led to the revocation of Madsen's passport, affected his ability to work abroad. 'I blame her for putting in the screws over his last years of life,' Wander stated.
The actor's struggles were compounded by the tragic suicide of his son Hudson in 2022. Hudson, a US Army sergeant, died at 26.
Madsen spoke openly about the pain of losing his son, saying, 'I am in shock as my son, whom I just spoke with a few days ago, said he was happy – my last text from him was 'I love you, dad''.
Madsen's career spanned more than four decades. He became a household name for his tough-guy roles in Tarantino's films, including Reservoir Dogs (1992) and Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004).
He also starred in Donnie Brasco ( 1997) alongside Al Pacino and Johnny Depp.
His representatives said, 'In the last two years, Michael Madsen has been doing some incredible work with independent film.
This includes upcoming feature films Resurrection Road, Concessions , and Cookbook for Southern Housewives , and he was looking forward to this next chapter in his life'.
Madsen is survived by his five children, his estranged wife, DeAnna, and his sister, Virginia. His legacy as one of Hollywood's most iconic actors will endure, both on screen and in the hearts of his fans.
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