‘Reservoir Dogs' and ‘Kill Bill' actor Michael Madsen found dead at 67
His manager, Ron Smith, confirmed the news on Thursday, revealing he reportedly died from cardiac arrest.
Madsen was 67.
Kill Bill
Known for his roles in 'Reservoir Dogs' and 'Kill Bill: Vol. 2,' Madsen was reportedly discovered unresponsive by authorities in his Malibu, Calif., home on Thursday.
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Fox News
2 hours ago
- Fox News
New details exposed about 'Reservoir Dogs' star Michael Madsen's cause of death
New details about Michael Madsen's death have emerged. The actor, who was found unresponsive in his Malibu home on July 3, died from heart failure, with heart disease and alcoholism as contributing factors, a representative for Madsen confirmed to Fox News Digital. According to the representative, an autopsy will not be conducted as Madsen's cardiologist has already signed the death certificate. Madsen, best known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino's films "Reservoir Dogs," "Kill Bill: Vol. 2," "The Hateful Eight" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," was 67 at the time of his death. "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. Michael was also preparing to release a new book called Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems currently being edited. "Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, who will be missed by many," his managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith, as well as his publicist Liz Rodriguez said. Vivica Fox, who starred alongside Madsen in "Kill Bill," remembered the actor as an "amazing onscreen presence." "I had the pleasure of working with Michael Madsen on 'Kill Bill' & several other films!" the actress said in a statement to The New York Post. "Michael was a talented man with an AMAZING on screen presence! My deepest condolences & prayers to his family. #GoneToSoon #RestInParadise." Madsen was born in Chicago in 1957. After moving to Los Angeles in the early '80s, Madsen - who was working as a mechanic in Beverly Hills - appeared in NBC's "St. Elsewhere" in 1982, then in "WarGames." From there, he went on to star in various memorable movie roles, including, "The Natural," "The Doors," "Thelma & Louise," "Free Willy," "Mulholland Falls," "Die Another Day," "Sin City," and "Scary Movie 4." "Fame is a two-edged sword," he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018. "There are a lot of blessings but also a lot of heavy things that come with it. I think it has a lot to do with the characters I've played. I think I've been more believable than I should have been. I think people really fear me. They see me and go: 'Holy s---, there's that guy!'" "But I'm not that guy. I'm just an actor. I'm a father, I've got seven children. I'm married, I've been married 20 years," he added. "When I'm not making a movie, I'm home, in pajamas, watching 'The Rifleman' on TV, hopefully with my 12-year-old making me a cheeseburger. I sure as hell had my rabble-rousing days, but sooner or later you have to get over that and move on."
New York Post
6 hours ago
- New York Post
Michael Madsen's official cause of death revealed: doctor
The cause of death for Michael Madsen has been revealed. His personal cardiologist has revealed the legendary actor died from heart failure. He was 67. 11 Michael Madsen in 'Reservoir Dogs.' ©Miramax/Courtesy Everett Collection His doctor confirmed that heart failure will be listed as his cause of death, with heart disease and alcoholism also being contributing factors, according to NBCLA. Madsen was discovered unresponsive by authorities in his Malibu, California, home on the morning of Thursday, July 3. A representative for the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department confirmed to The Post that the 'Donnie Brasco' alum was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:25 a.m. They also stated that no foul play was suspected. 11 Michael Madsen is seen during the 71st annual Cannes Film Festival at on May 12, 2018. GC Images Representatives for the 'Kill Bill' star released a statement following his sudden passing. '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, as well as his publicist, Liz Rodriguez, told The Post. 'Michael was also preparing to release a new book called 'Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems,' currently being edited,' his team concluded. 'Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.' 11 Michael Madsen during 1994 Oscar Post Party at Mondrian in Los Angeles. FilmMagic, Inc The late star first rose to fame in the 1983 sci-fi techno thriller 'WarGames.' His sister, Virginia Madsen, 63, is also in the industry, starring in a slew of movies like the 2004 rom-com 'Sideways.' Madsen was best known for his portrayal of the tough guy in a series of Quentin Tarantino films. He starred as the criminal Mr. Blonde in Tarantino's 1992 directorial debut, 'Reservoir Dogs,' before teaming up with the filmmaker again for 'Kill Bill: Volume 1' in 2003 and 'Kill Bill: Volume 2' in 2004. 11 Michael Madsen placing his handprint and bootprint in cement to be displayed with other celebrity cement impressions in the rooms at the Roosevelt Hotel. WireImage Madsen and Tarantino also worked together in 2015's 'The Hateful Eight' and 'Once Upon a Time in … Hollywood' (2019). After news of his death broke, Madsen's family, friends and former co-stars paid tribute to the fallen actor. 'My brother Michael has left the stage,' Virginia told Variety in a statement. '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.' 11 The 1992 movie 'Reservoir Dogs.' Live Entertainment/Kobal/Shutterstock One of Madsen's sons called him a 'hero,' concluding his emotional tribute, 'I'll See You Again Someday. Tell Hudson I Said Hi.' The actor's son, Hudson, died by suicide in 2022 at age 26. His 'Reservoir Dogs' co-star, Harvey Keitel, also shared a touching message, telling The Post, 'We've lost another great American poet. Farewell, my dear friend.' The 86-year-old star added, 'I'll never forget one of the best scenes I've ever seen on film, of you and Chris Penn fighting in 'Reservoir Dogs.' A great love scene. Give Chris a hug for me,' referring to their late co-star, Chris, Sean Penn's brother, who died in 2006 from heart disease. 11 Michael Madsen in 'Kill Bill.' Kill Bill Meanwhile, fellow 'Kill Bill' cast member Vivica A. Fox reminisced about working with Madsen. 'I had the pleasure of working with Michael Madsen on 'Kill Bill' & several other films!' the actress told The Post in a statement. 'Michael was a talented man with an AMAZING on screen presence! My deepest condolences & prayers to his family. #GoneToSoon #RestInParadise.' Pal Stephen Baldwin said to The Post, 'Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Michael Madsen — a true original, fearless and unforgettable.' 11 Michael Madsen and his wife DeAnna Madsen. Getty Images The actor went on: 'Honored to have known and worked with him. My prayers are with his wife DeAnna and the entire Madsen family. Rest easy, brother.' The stars collaborated in the 2014 action thriller '2047: Sights of Death' and the 2016 horror movie 'Magi.' Madsen appeared on Baldwin's 'One Bad Movie' podcast in December to deep dive into his four-decades-long career. 11 Michael Madsen attends the Hand and Footprint Ceremony TCL Chinese Theatre on November 16, 2020. Getty Images The pair had a lot to discuss, as Madsen has appeared in more than 325 projects. The 'Thelma & Louise' alum was last seen at the horror convention Chiller Theatre Expo on April 27. In September, Madsen made headlines after filing for divorce from his wife, DeAnna Madsen, after 28 years of marriage. 11 Steve Buscemi, Michael Madsen, Quentin Tarantino, Harvey Keitel and Tim Roth attend the 'Reservoir Dogs' Screening during 2017 Tribeca Film Festival on April 28, 2017 in New York City. Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival In his divorce filing, Madsen cited irreconcilable differences and included a statement in which he blamed DeAnna for their son's tragic passing. Madsen accused her of driving Hudson to suicide 'by her neglect, drinking and alcoholism.' A month later, the 'Sin City' actor clarified his stance in an Instagram post. 11 Michael Madsen attends 'Reservoir Dogs' 25th Anniversary Screening during the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. George Pimentel 'To whom it may concern, A few recent articles have suggested my disillusionment with my marriage and a dark connection between my wife and the loss of our son. I was and not the writer of this story and wish my wife no harm or embarrassment,' Madsen wrote beneath a picture with DeAnna. 'Losing a child is the hardest and most painful experience that can happen in this world. I deeply apologize for not correcting this earlier but I love my wife and our other 4 children and have no desire for divorce or blame,' he continued. 'She had absolutely nothing to do with what happened to our son.' Madsen elaborated, 'It was a horrible loss and choice that was made for reasons that truly cannot ever be known because the person is gone, I don't think my son is dead , I think he escaped from a life that didn't make sense anymore.' 11 Michael Madsen. FilmMagic Baldwin showed his support, commenting beneath the post, 'Love you bro praying for you and your family. God bless.' Madsen is survived by his sisters, Virginia and Cheryl, and his remaining children, including his son, 'Divergent' actor Christian Madsen, 35.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Actor Michael Madsen reportedly got sober before his death
Actor Michael Madsen got sober in the months preceding his death last week. The 67-year-old star of Quentin Tarantino classics including 'Kill Bill: Volume 2' and 'Reservoir Dogs' had worked to pull himself together before dying from an apparent cardiac arrest in Malibu, California, Thursday, according to TMZ. It's not clear if Madsen was using drugs or alcohol when he died, though he'd reportedly made strides in his ongoing battle with substance abuse. TMZ said the Chicago native spent years in rehabilitation programs meant to help him win his battle with booze. Madsen also helped mentor addicts trying to conquer their demons in a Malibu recovery facility. A friend of the performer, who appeared in more than 300 film and TV productions during a career spanning more than forty years, told TMZ that Madsen was in good health a week before his death. Madsen effectively played troubled, hard-living characters at odds with the law on the big screen. He sometimes found himself in similar roles in real life. That included an August arrest for domestic battery, according to Variety. He also pleaded no contest to a 2019 misdemeanor DUI charge in Los Angeles County after he crashed his SUV into a pole in Malibu, the county's District Attorney said. It was his second such offense in less than a decade. Madsen told in 2012 he once hoped to drive fast cars for a living. 'A long time ago, what I really wanted to do was drive in Nascar,' he said. Madsen added that acting in a race car film was also on his bucket list, but as time passed, he realized the opportunity to do so was passing too. In 2019, he teamed up with John Travolta and singer Shania Twain in the racing flick 'Trading Paint.'
