Michael Madsen, 'Reservoir Dogs' and 'Kill Bill' star, dies at 66
Madsen was found unresponsive in his home in Malibu, California, on Thursday morning and pronounced dead, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Watch Commander Christopher Jauregui said. He is believed to have died of natural causes and authorities do not suspect any foul play was involved. Madsen's manager Ron Smith said cardiac arrest was the apparent cause.
Madsen's career spanned more than 300 credits stretching back to the early 1980s, many in low-budget films. But his most memorable screen moment may have been the sadistic torture of a captured police officer – while dancing to Stealers Wheel's "Stuck in the Middle with You' – as Mr. Blonde in 1992's "Reservoir Dogs.'
He would become a Tarantino regular, appearing in the "Kill Bill' films and "The Hateful Eight.'
"In the last two years Michael Madsen has been doing some incredible work with independent film including upcoming feature films 'Resurrection Road,' 'Concessions and 'Cookbook for Southern Housewives,' and was really looking forward to this next chapter in his life," his managers Smith and Susan Ferris and publicist Liz Rodriguez said in a statement. They added that he "was one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.'
During a handprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in November 2020, Madsen reflected on his first visit to Hollywood in the early 1980s.
"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.'
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Hollywood is mourning the loss of Michael Madsen, known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino films, including 'Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2' and 'Reservoir Dogs', according to The Hollywood Reporter. Following the news, stars and family took to social media to share tributes to Madsen. His sister Virginia Madsen posted a photo of them with her mom, writing in the caption, "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. We're not mourning a public figure. We're not mourning a myth — but flesh and blood and ferocious heart." View this post on Instagram A post shared by virginiamadsen (@virginiamadsen) Sharon Stone wrote in the comments: "My sincere condolences to you and your family," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Walton Goggins, who co-stared with Madsen in The Hateful Eight, shared photos with the actor on Instagram, "Michael rascal...F***ing ICON.... Aura like no one else. Ain't enough words so I'll just say this.... I love you buddy. A H8TER forever." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Walton Goggins (@waltongogginsbonafide) Jennifer Tilly, Madsen's 'The Getaway' co-star, shared on X that he was "one of my favourite actors I ever worked with." Actor Billy Baldwin wrote on X, "Fitting that Michael Madsen would pass away on 4th of July weekend. He was no firecracker...a total stick of dynamite on screen and in life. Rest easy my friend." Madsen portrayed the character of Blonde in 'Reservoir Dogs'. This 1992 crime film also starred Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney, Edward Bunker, and director was popularly known for his collaboration with Tarantino on both 'Kill Bill' films as well as 'The Hateful Eight' and 'Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood.' The actor's diverse filmography spans more than 300 titles, including 'Donnie Brasco,' 'Thelma & Louise,' 'Sin City,' 'The Doors,' 'Species,' 'Mulholland Falls', and 'Once Upon a Time in Mexico.' The 'Kill Bill' actor was born on September 25, 1957, in Chicago to Elaine, a filmmaker and author, and Calvin Christian Madsen, a firefighter. His siblings include Cheryl Madsen and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen.
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