Michael Madsen's cause of death shared as Reservoir Dogs star's death certificate released

Daily Mirror

4 days ago

Michael Madsen's official cause of death has been confirmed as his death certificate has been released. It was announced earlier this month that the Reservoir Dogs had died after he was found unresponsive at his home in Malibu on July 3.
Madsen's manager, Ron Smith, said he died after suffering a cardiac arrest and authorities at the time didn't expect any foul play. Now, new details have come to light about Michael's condition at the time of his death.
The death certificate, held by the LA County Medical Examiner, revealed that his cardiac arrest was caused by cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, and chronic alcoholism. It also notes thromboembolic disease, which causes blood clots, obstructing vessels or arteries.
Despite alcoholism contributing, Michael had been sober for several months at the time of his death. He'd spent years in and out of rehab battling his condition, while also struggling with depression, as well as dealing with the aftermath of a broken marriage.
At the time of his death, Smith said: "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.
"Madsen was also preparing to release a new book called Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems. Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, who will be missed by many."
Michael's son, Luke, who he shared with his ex-wife DeAnna, also shared a moving tribute to his late father, while also mentioning his late brother. Luke said: "Some people's heroes wear capes. And fly shooting lasers out of their eyes. Some people's heroes can fight off armies and overcome anything.
"My hero wore a cowboy hat. My hero stood taller and stronger than any man I've ever met. My hero understood me better than anyone. My Hero is the coolest, most badass human being I know. Not only was my hero a famous tough guy movie star, my hero was my father, and he was a damn good one. Love you, Pops. I'll see you again someday. Tell Hudson I said hi."
His actress sibling Virginia, 63, remembered her brother in a touching statement. She said in a statement to Variety: 'My brother Michael has left the stage. 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. Who stormed through life loud, brilliant, and half on fire. Who leaves us echoes - gruff, brilliant, unrepeatable - half legend, half lullaby.
"I'll miss our inside jokes, the sudden laughter, the sound of him. I'll miss the boy he was before the legend; I miss my big brother. Thank you to everyone reaching out with love and memory. In time, we'll share how we plan to celebrate his life - but for now, we stay close, and let the silence say what words can't."
Hudson, Luke's older brother, sadly took his own life aged just 26 in 2022. The US actor carved out a reputation for his frequent collaborations with famed director Quentin Tarantino, featuring in cinematic hits such as The Hateful Eight, Kill Bill: Vol 1 and 2, and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.
Madsen's memorable portrayal of Mr Blonde in Reservoir Dogs saw him perform an infamous dance to Stealers Wheel's 1972 classic Stuck In The Middle With You, brandishing a razor in a notorious torture sequence.
Boasting a career that spanned over four decades and included more than 300 titles, Madsen's impact on the film industry was significant, his publicist noted.