Michael Madsen slammed 'overrated' co-star in last interview before death
Michael Madsen slammed fellow actor Johnny Depp in his last interview before his death. The Reservoir Dogs star died on Thursday at the age of 67.
Michael had been found unresponsive at his Malibu home. He was best known for his roles in the Quentin Tarantino movie, as well as his part in Kill Bill.
In what is thought to have been his final interview prior to his death, the Hollywood actor sat alongside Stephen Baldwin on his One Big Movie podcast. In the chat, Michael praised Stephen's brother, Alec Baldwin, but wasn't as kind when it came to Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny.
His words came after he told the host he used to have a large collection of posters, similar to the ones behind Stephen in the interview. However, Michael told how his home was destroyed after his home burned down in 2018 following the Woolsey Fire in Malibu.
As the pair's chat continued, Stephen took to the phone to call his brother, Alec. Michael starred in 1994 release The Getaway alongside Alec's ex-wife Kim Basinger. Sharing a funny story from the time, Alec said the duo were keen to ditch filming fora day.
He claimed that when Michael's phone in his hotel room rang, he answered it. He said he put on a hilarious mix of a Latino and Chicago accent as he did so before hanging up on the caller.
Michael obviously remembered the moment well and laughed: "'Goddamnit, Alec, you're the funniest mother f***er."
But he confessed to thinking Johnny's performance in Donnie Brasco was overrated. Johnny starred opposite Al Pacino in the Mafia movie, playing an FBI agent who goes undercover to infiltrate the family of one of the mob's most prominent members. He then finds himself getting caught up in their world and grows further apart from his own.
And Michael, who starred as Sonny Black in the production, admitted he was underwhelmed by Johnny's performance. He said: "I don't get it," when Johnny's name was mentioned in the chat.
"It just didn't work for me,' he said of his work. 'There's no way that guy would've been let into the family."
Sharing his thoughts on Johnny's ability in the movie, he added: "Yeah. It wasn't terrible, it was just boring. It was lifeless. There was a lifelessness to it that I couldn't comprehend. It made no sense to me.'
Michael died on Thursday after a suspected cardiac arrest. According to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, no foul play is suspected.
A statement released by managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith, and publicist Liz Rodriguez read: ""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 Madsen was one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, who will be missed by many."
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Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Michael Madsen's youngest son, 19, breaks silence on actor's shock death at 67 with heartbreaking tribute
Michael Madsen's youngest son has paid an emotional tribute to his beloved actor father after his shock death at 66 on Thursday. The Kill Bill icon was found 'unresponsive' at his Malibu home early Thursday morning. Deputies responded to the Los Angeles County home after a 911 call early Thursday. Madsen was pronounced dead at the home. His management later claimed he had died from cardiac arrest. Luke Madsen, one of the three sons the actor welcomed with wife DeAnna, took to Instagram to laud his father and 'tell Hudson I said hi' - in honor of his brother who died by suicide in 2022. Sharing three childhood snaps with his father, he wrote: 'Some Peoples Hero's Wear Capes. 'And Fly Shooting Lasers Out Of Their Eyes. Some peoples Hero's 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. Damn Good One. 'Love You Pops. I'll See You Again Someday. Tell Hudson I Said Hi.' [sic] Luke, along with members of his heartbroken family rushed to the Reservoir Dogs star's home on Thursday as news of his death broke. His lawyer said the actor - known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill - was battling an alcohol addiction before he tragically died. Hours after his death, obtained photos of Madsen's heartbroken family — including his estranged wife DeAnna — gathering outside his house. A man who looked to be Madsen's son Max, 31, consoled DeAnna while standing in the home's driveway as more family members arrived. Madsen's eldest son Christian, 35, and his youngest son Luke, 19, also appeared to be at the scene. A statement from the star's representatives to read: '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.' Madsen was best known for his frequent collaborations with director Quentin Tarantino, starring in Reservoir Dogs (1992), Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004), The Hateful Eight (2015), and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). He also starred in 1997's Donnie Brasco as Sonny Black. Madsen is survived by his five children, estranged wife DeAnna and his actress sister Virginia Madsen. His son Hudson died by suicide in 2022 aged 26. Perry Wander, who has represented the star for 20 years, said the Kill Bill icon had 'many struggles'. 'I just spoke to Michael two days ago,' Wander told Daily Mail, admitting that 'I knew he was not well.' 'Michael was suffering from the effects of alcoholism. He had multiple stints in and out of rehab. He struggled to maintain his sobriety. He was not happy about his life.' Madsen was also facing a crippling legal battle with his estranged wife, which saw the pair fighting over child support and other finances, his lawyer claimed. 'I blame her for putting in the screws over his last years of life,' Wander said, alleging the legal battle, which saw his passport be 'maliciously revoked', impacted his ability to travel and work abroad. 'Michael lived a life of regrets - those regrets being his two marriages,' he added. Virginia paid emotional tribute to Madsen in a statement to Variety, which read: '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.' A frequent collaborator of Quentin Tarantino, Madsen starred in films including 1993's Reservoir Dogs (left) and 2003's Kill Bill (right) He was first wed to Georganne LaPiere, half-sister of singer and actress Cher from 1984-1988. He welcomed a daughter named Jessica with Dana Mechling. He was married to Jeannine Bisignano from 1991 to 1995. They have two sons, Christian and Max. In 1996, he married DeAnna. Together they had three sons, Luke, Kalvin and Hudson. His death comes 11 months after his domestic violence case - where he was accused of shoving wife DeAnna - was dismissed due to 'insufficient evidence.' 'We are thrilled that Michael Madsen is able to put this behind him and look forward to our continued collaboration with more great things coming from this veteran and respected actor,' his representative said at the time. The star was arrested for domestic violence amid claims he got physical with his spouse. He also allegedly locked her out of their home, which is located in the Los Angeles area. The Reservoir Dogs star was given a misdemeanor domestic violence charge at the time. He also had to spend part of his weekend in jail, before posting a $20,000 bond. Days later in a statement to THR, Madsen's lawyer Perry Wander insisted that his client was 'not guilty of domestic violence.' A representative for the star confirmed the incident saying: 'It was a disagreement between Michael and his wife, which we hope resolves positively for them both.' Madsen filed for divorce from DeAnna in September 2024 - and in court papers obtained by he accused his estranged wife of driving their son to die by suicide 'by her neglect, drinking and alcoholism.' A month later, he issued a regretful Instagram statement apologizing for his claims and denying he had wanted to end their marriage. He said: '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. 'She had absolutely nothing to do with what happened to our son. 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.' It wasn't Madsen's first brush with the law. In 2022 the Hollywood actor was arrested for trespassing at a luxury house from which he was evicted, reported. It was a $5.3 million Malibu mansion just across the Pacific Coast Highway from La Costa Beach. The star's final Instagram post in March 2025 saw him model for Hollywood Times Magazine A source exclusively told at the time: 'Michael had been living at the house since last year, but the lease was in another person's name.' The house was leased out by another person and several thousand dollars were owed in back rent, has learned. The owner had tried for the past two years to get the tenants evicted, but because of the moratorium on evictions on account of Covid, it took several months to go through the legal process. His arrest came just a month after his son, US Army Sgt. Hudson Madsen shot himself dead on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, where he was stationed with the 25th Infantry Division. Hudson was an Afghan war vet. Hudson's death came a week after his wife Carlie underwent surgery to remove a tumor from her breast. '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,'' he told the Los Angeles Times. 'I didn't see any signs of depression. It's so tragic and sad. I'm just trying to make sense of everything and understand what happened.' Madsen said his son's marriage was 'going strong' and he had recently completed his first tour in the U.S. Army. 'He had typical life challenges that people have with finances, but he wanted a family. He was looking towards his future, so its mind-blowing. I just can't grasp what happened.' Madsen has requested a full military investigation into his son's death. The actor thinks 'the officers and rank and file were shaming' Hudson for wanting therapy. He believes this stopped him from seeking help for mental health issues he had been keeping to himself. In 2019, the actor was axed from a $100,000 role in movie Confessions of a Serial Killer after crashing his Land Rover into a pole and subsequently being arrested for DUI. He was later sentenced to four days in jail. In 2012 he was also arrested for DUI after driving erratically but struck a plea deal that involved attending AA meetings in lieu of more severe punishment. However, after Madsen failed to attend his court ordered Alcoholics Anonymous meetings his probation was revoked. That same year he was arrested at his Malibu home after allegedly getting into a physical fight with his son after catching him smoking marijuana. The actor was being held in jail on $100,000 bail after being charged with child endangerment with cruelty to a child: a felony charge, which means it is considered a crime of high seriousness. He did not face any charges after his arrest for suspected child endangerment.
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Michael Madsen's shell-shocked son and estranged wife rush to Reservoir Dogs star's home after his death at 67
Michael Madsen's heartbroken family rushed to the late actor's Malibu home on Thursday just hours after his shocking passing at age 67. The Reservoir Dogs star was found 'unresponsive' inside his residence early Thursday morning, with his manager reporting 'cardiac arrest' as the cause of death. Madsen's estranged wife DeAnna, 64 — who he accused of driving their 26-year-old son Hudson to suicide — looked shell-shocked in photos obtained by as she arrived at the house they once shared. A brunette man, who looked to be Madsen's son Max, 31, appeared to console his longtime stepmom DeAnna as she spoke to him in the driveway. Standing beside them was Madsen's eldest son Christian, 35, who hid his grief behind a pair of dark-tinted sunglasses. After connecting with DeAnna, the two brothers, who were born during Madsen's relationship with ex-wife Jeannine Bisignano, 68, ventured around their late father's property together. Madsen's youngest son Luke, 19, was also spotted at the scene. Madsen's youngest son Luke, 19, was also spotted at the scene The teenager, donning a cowboy hat, was photographed exiting the home's garage as a black Chrysler vehicle, seemingly belonging to the coroner, backed into it. Luke is one of three sons — including Kalvin, 28, who was not pictured at the house on Thursday, and the late Hudson, 26 — Madsen shares with wife DeAnna. An eyewitness told that Luke eventually left the Malibu home with his brothers Max and Christian in a black Ford Bronco. A white Range Rover was also pictured in the driveway on Thursday. It's unclear if DeAnna is still at the residence. Madsen was found 'unresponsive' at his Malibu home early Thursday morning, can confirm. Deputies responded to the Los Angeles County home after a 911 call early Thursday. Madsen was pronounced dead at the home. The star's manager claimed to that Madsen had died from 'cardiac arrest.' His lawyer said the actor - known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill - was battling an alcohol addiction before he tragically died. Hours after his death, obtained exclusive photos of Madsen's heartbroken family — including his estranged wife DeAnna — gathering outside his house. A man who looked to be Madsen's son Max, 31, consoled DeAnna while standing in the home's driveway as more family members arrived. Madsen's eldest son Christian, 35, and his youngest son Luke, 19, also appeared to be at the scene. A statement from the star's representatives to read: '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.' Madsen was best known for his frequent collaborations with director Quentin Tarantino, starring in Reservoir Dogs (1992), Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004), The Hateful Eight (2015), and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). He also starred in 1997's Donnie Brasco as Sonny Black. Madsen is survived by his five children, wife DeAnna and his actress sister Virginia Madsen. His son Hudson died by suicide in 2022 aged 26. Perry Wander, who has represented the star for 20 years, said the Kill Bill icon had 'many struggles'. 'I just spoke to Michael two days ago,' Wander told Daily Mail, admitting that 'I knew he was not well.' 'Michael was suffering from the effects of alcoholism. He had multiple stints in and out of rehab. He struggled to maintain his sobriety. He was not happy about his life.' Madsen was also facing a crippling legal battle with his estranged wife, which saw the pair fighting over child support and other finances, his lawyer claimed. 'I blame her for putting in the screws over his last years of life,' Wander said, alleging the legal battle, which saw his passport be 'maliciously revoked', impacted his ability to travel and work abroad. 'Michael lived a life of regrets - those regrets being his two marriages,' he added. Virginia paid emotional tribute to Madsen in a statement to Variety, which read: '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.' He was first wed to Georganne LaPiere, half-sister of singer and actress Cher from 1984-1988. He welcomed a daughter named Jessica with Dana Mechling. He was married to Jeannine Bisignano from 1991 to 1995. They have two sons, Christian and Max. In 1996, he married DeAnna. Together they had three sons, Luke, Kalvin and Hudson. His death comes 11 months after his domestic violence case - where he was accused of shoving wife DeAnna - was dismissed due to 'insufficient evidence.' 'We are thrilled that Michael Madsen is able to put this behind him and look forward to our continued collaboration with more great things coming from this veteran and respected actor,' his representative said at the time. The star was arrested for domestic violence amid claims he got physical with his spouse. He also allegedly locked her out of their home, which is located in the Los Angeles area. The Reservoir Dogs star was given a misdemeanor domestic violence charge at the time. He also had to spend part of his weekend in jail, before posting a $20,000 bond. Days later in a statement to THR, Madsen's lawyer Perry Wander insisted that his client was 'not guilty of domestic violence.' A representative for the star confirmed the incident saying: 'It was a disagreement between Michael and his wife, which we hope resolves positively for them both.' Madsen filed for divorce from DeAnna in September 2024 - and in court papers obtained by he accused his estranged wife of driving their son to die by suicide 'by her neglect, drinking and alcoholism.' A month later, he issued a regretful Instagram statement apologizing for his claims and denying he had wanted to end their marriage. He said: '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. Madsen filed for divorce from DeAnna in September 2024 - and in court papers obtained by he accused his estranged wife of driving their son to die by suicide 'by her neglect, drinking and alcoholism'; the couple seen in 2005 'She had absolutely nothing to do with what happened to our son. 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.' It wasn't Madsen's first brush with the law. In 2022 the Hollywood actor was arrested for trespassing at a luxury house from which he was evicted, reported. It was a $5.3 million Malibu mansion just across the Pacific Coast Highway from La Costa Beach. A source exclusively told at the time: 'Michael had been living at the house since last year, but the lease was in another person's name.' The house was leased out by another person and several thousand dollars were owed in back rent, has learned. The owner had tried for the past two years to get the tenants evicted, but because of the moratorium on evictions on account of Covid, it took several months to go through the legal process. His arrest came just a month after his son, US Army Sgt. Hudson Madsen shot himself dead on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, where he was stationed with the 25th Infantry Division. Hudson was an Afghan war vet. Hudson's death came a week after his wife Carlie underwent surgery to remove a tumor from her breast. '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,"' he told the Los Angeles Times. 'I didn't see any signs of depression. It's so tragic and sad. I'm just trying to make sense of everything and understand what happened.' Madsen said his son's marriage was 'going strong' and he had recently completed his first tour in the U.S. Army. 'He had typical life challenges that people have with finances, but he wanted a family. He was looking towards his future, so its mind-blowing. I just can't grasp what happened.' Madsen has requested a full military investigation into his son's death. The actor thinks 'the officers and rank and file were shaming' Hudson for wanting therapy. He believes this stopped him from seeking help for mental health issues he had been keeping to himself. In 2019, the actor was axed from a $100,000 role in movie Confessions of a Serial Killer after crashing his Land Rover into a pole and subsequently being arrested for DUI. He was later sentenced to four days in jail. In 2012 he was also arrested for DUI after driving erratically but struck a plea deal that involved attending AA meetings in lieu of more severe punishment. However, after Madsen failed to attend his court ordered Alcoholics Anonymous meetings his probation was revoked. That same year he was arrested at his Malibu home after allegedly getting into a physical fight with his son after catching him smoking marijuana. The actor was being held in jail on $100,000 bail after being charged with child endangerment with cruelty to a child: a felony charge, which means it is considered a crime of high seriousness. He did not face any charges after his arrest for suspected child endangerment.
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Reservoir Dogs icon Harvey Keitel breaks silence on Michael Madsen's shock death at 67
Michael Madsen was found dead in his Malibu home on June 3. He was 67 years old. Tributes are pouring in from family, friends and the people Madsen worked with in his long and successful career as one of Hollywood's best actors. Now, Harvey Keitel, 86, is chiming in to share his wishes for his late friend. 'We've lost another great American poet,' Keitel said in a statement to The New York Post. 'Farewell, my dear friend.' Madsen and Keitel starred in Quentin Tarantino 's film Reservoir Dogs as Vic Vega/Mr. Blonde and Larry Dimmick / Mr. White. Keitel continued: '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,' he added. Chris, Sean Penn's younger brother, died in 2006 at the age of 40. He played Eddie Cabot in Reservoir Dogs. Madsen went on to star in three more Tarantino films, The Hateful Eight and Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. The actor played a violent ex-convict who plans to rob a jewelry store with seven other men in Reservoir Dogs. The role Vic Vega even led to him being typecast. 'I guess it's part of the whole bad-boy package,' he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018. 'But I'd rather have a movie like Reservoir Dogs than not have it. There are a lot of actors that are a lot more recognized or famous than me, who get paid a lot more than me who haven't done even one film that you'd remember.' The legendary actor was found 'unresponsive' at his home in Malibu, California early Thursday morning. His manager said Madsen had died from 'cardiac arrest.' But Madsen's lawyer Perry Wander hinted that the movie star drank himself to death and blamed the actor's two former wives for making him miserable. I just spoke to Michael two days ago,' Wander told Daily Mail, admitting that 'I knew he was not well.' 'Michael was suffering from the effects of alcoholism. He had multiple stints in and out of rehab. He struggled to maintain his sobriety. He was not happy about his life.' Madsen was also facing a crippling legal battle with his estranged wife, which saw the pair fighting over child support and other finances, his lawyer claimed. 'I blame her for putting in the screws over his last years of life,' Wander said, alleging the legal battle, which saw his passport be 'maliciously revoked', impacted his ability to travel and work abroad. It is too soon to tell if Madsen's alleged alcoholism contributed to his sudden death, but studies by the National Institutes of Health have found that heavy drinking can significantly increase the risk of cardiac arrest. The star's battle with addiction appears to span back many years. He was axed from a $100,000 role in the movie Confessions of a Serial Killer in 2019 after he crashed crashing his Land Rover into a pole and was subsequently arrested for DUI. He was later sentenced to four days in jail. In 2012, he was also arrested for DUI after driving erratically but struck a plea deal that involved attending AA meetings in lieu of more severe punishment. However, after Madsen failed to attend his court ordered Alcoholics Anonymous meetings his probation was revoked.
