Latest news with #Species


Metro
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Michael Madsen's cause of death revealed weeks after actor's death aged 67
Michael Madsen's cause of death has been confirmed after the Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill: Vol. 2 star died on July 3. Madsen's manager, Ron Smith, confirmed that the actor died earlier this month after suffering a cardiac arrest and being found unresponsive in his Malibu home. Now his death certificate from the L.A. County Medical Examiner has been released, confirming the cause of the cardiac arrest. The report, seen by TMZ, detailed that Madsen was dealing with cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, and chronic alcoholism, which brought on the cardiac arrest. Another significant condition was thromboembolic disease (also known as deep vein thrombosis). After Madsen's death, various celebrities and family members paid tribute to the actor, remembering him fondly. Per the NHS, symptoms of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) in the leg are: throbbing pain in 1 leg (rarely both legs), usually in the calf or thigh, when walking or standing up swelling in 1 leg (rarely both legs) warm skin around the painful area red or darkened skin around the painful area – this may be harder to see on brown or black skin swollen veins that are hard or sore when you touch them Madsen's son Luke, who he shared with ex-wife DeAnna, shared a loving but heartbreaking tribute on Instagram about his father, also mentioning his late brother. '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.' He concluded: '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 some day. Tell Hudson I said hi.' Hudson Lee Madsen, was Luke's older brother and Madsen's son, who took his own life in 2022 when he was 26 years old. After appearing on screens for the first time in the 1980s, Madsen earned over 300 credits to his name throughout his career, including the likes of Sin City, Species and James Bond flick Die Another Day, as well as his long-running collaboration with filmmaker Quentin Tarantino. His first notable screen role was in the science fiction film WarGame in 1983, going on to appear in Killing Time, Blood Red and Thelma & Louise. More Trending His first real breakout role came in Quentin Tarantino's 1992 directorial debut, Reservoir Dogs, in which he played the criminal and main villain, Mr. Blonde. Following this role, he appeared in the Free Willy franchise, Mulholland Falls and Die Another Day, before other notable roles came in Tarantino's Kill Bill films in 2003 and 2004, and Tarantino's 2015 flick The Hateful Eight. Madsen was also cast in Sin City, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Scary Movie 4. In 2012, he also appeared on the ninth season of Celebrity Big Brother alongside Denise Welch, Frankie Cocozza and Natalie Cassidy, finishing in fourth place. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Chris Martin jokes about couple in Coldplay audience: 'Either they're having an affair or very shy!' MORE: Denise Richards 'granted restraining order' against ex Aaron Phypers after explosive abuse allegations MORE: Sarah Michelle Gellar addresses claims of feud with ex co-star Jennifer Love Hewitt

IOL News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Protecting wildlife: South Africa to prohibit new captive lion breeding facilities
In a landmark decision, South Africa's government is set to ban new captive lion breeding facilities, marking a significant step towards ethical wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives In a decisive move to protect South Africa's lions and reinforce ethical conservation practices, the government is set to ban the establishment of new captive lion breeding facilities. This forms part of a broader initiative to phase out commercial intensive breeding of lions and prioritise animal wellbeing. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said it is finalising a Prohibition Notice that will outlaw the creation of new captive lion facilities in the country. This step follows recommendations from the Ministerial Task Team and supports the Policy Position on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhinoceros. The notice comes after animal welfare organisation Four Paws South Africa recently called for government to expedite the implementation of the phase-out plan of the captive lion industry. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said: 'This marks a turning point in our approach to wildlife conservation. By prohibiting new captive lion breeding facilities and addressing critical animal wellbeing provisions in the TOPS (Threatened or Protected Species) Regulations to be published in due course, we are committed to enforcing clear, effective, and legally robust measures that protect South Africa's natural heritage and address concerns raised by the public, conservation experts, and stakeholders.' The ban will be introduced through updated Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA), 2004. 'The Lion Prohibition Notice implements a key recommendation from the Ministerial Task Team Report and is in line with the objectives of the Policy Position on the conservation and sustainable use of elephant, lion, leopard, and rhinoceros,' said the Department. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'The Notice prohibits the establishment of new captive lion facilities for commercial purposes, aligning with global conservation standards and ethical wildlife management practices.' The Notice was tabled before the National Council of Provinces on June 10, 2025 and has since passed the 30-day consideration period. The Department confirmed that it has completed the necessary administrative processes for promulgation. Additionally, the Department is working with provincial Members of the Executive Council (MECs) under Section 87A(3) of NEM:BA to ensure effective implementation of the ban. Minister George is expected to provide further updates during stakeholder engagements, including at the upcoming G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting at Kruger National Park. 'We are building a regulatory foundation that prioritises animal wellbeing, biodiversity protection, and practical enforcement,' said George. 'The Department remains fully committed to finalising and implementing these reforms without delay, ensuring a sustainable future for South Africa's wildlife.' THE MERCURY


Saudi Gazette
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Michael Madsen, actor of ‘Kill Bill' and ‘Reservoir Dogs' fame, dead at 67
LOS ANGELES — Actor Michael Madsen, a stoic actor who worked frequently with director Quentin Tarantino and appeared in various acclaimed films from the 1980s onward, has died, according to his publicist Liz Rodriguez. He was 67. Rodriguez told CNN that Madsen had a cardiac arrest and was found unresponsive in his Malibu home Thursday morning. 'Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, who will be missed by many,' said a joint statement from his managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith of Bohemia Entertainment and Rodriguez. Sgt. Christopher Jauregui, watch commander for Los Angeles Sheriff Department Lost Hills Station confirmed to CNN Thursday that deputies responded to Madsen's home in Malibu this morning and found him 'unresponsive.' He was pronounced dead at 8:25 a.m. local time and no foul play is suspected, Jauregui added. Madsen was a prolific dramatic actor who was best known for his work in several of Tarantino's films, including 'Reservoir Dogs,' 'Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood' and the 'Kill Bill' films. Known for his stony looks and calm, sometimes menacing demeanor, Madsen could play a fierce villain (see 'Kill Bill') as well as a protagonist, as seen in 1995's 'Species.' Having gotten his start in TV in the early '80s – an early role on 'St. Elsewhere in 1983 first put him on the map – Madsen soon transitioned to films, where he made an impression in 1991's Ridley Scott-directed hit 'Thelma & Louise,' in which he played Louise's (Susan Sarandon) put-upon love interest Jimmy. The next year saw his first collaboration with Tarantino in 'Reservoir Dogs,' the uber-violent ensemble piece in which Madsen played the sadistic Mr. Blonde. Thus began a prolific time for the actor – who appeared in primarily action films along with westerns like 1994's 'Wyatt Earp.' While much of Madsen's oeuvre strayed into B-movie territory, he continued to appear in higher profile hits as well, such as 'Donnie Brasco' in 1997, the James Bond film 'Die Another Day' in 2002, and 2005's 'Sin City.' Madsen's knack for demented villains was perfected in his portrayal of Sidewinder in the 'Kill Bill' franchise, one of the foes Uma Thurman's Bride must vanquish before defeating her main nemesis. The films were split into two volumes in 2003 and 2004. Other roles in which he shined include 2004's noir western 'Renegade' and 'The Hateful Eight,' another Tarantino film, from 2015. 'My career is like a heart monitor,' he said in a 1992 interview on the 'Reservoir Dogs' DVD. 'I get involved in a good project now and then to keep things going ... every movie you make can't be great, no matter who you are.' Madsen's off-screen life was marked by some legal and personal troubles. Last year, he was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery misdemeanor after a dispute with his wife DeAnna Madsen, according to Variety and online arrest records. The actor filed for divorce from DeAnna Madsen one month later. In 2019, Madsen was arrested for DUI, his second within 10 years, and in 2012, was arrested following a physical altercation with his then-teenage son. Madsen was open about his struggles, telling the Independent in a 2020 interview that he went through some 'terrible, terrible times,' including his DUIs and an injury following a motorcycle accident. 'Fame is not what it's cracked up to be,' he added. 'I'm not complaining, because I've had a great life. But it can wreak havoc on you if you're not protected.' In 2022, Madsen's son Hudson died by suicide in Hawaii. '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 told the LA Times. With over 320 credits to his name on IMDb, Madsen also had a whopping 18 titles in development at the time of his death. In the statement from his representatives following his death, they said Madsen had been 'doing some incredible work with independent film including upcoming feature films 'Resurrection Road', 'Concessions' and 'Cookbook for Southern Housewives.'' He was, the statement said, 'really looking forward to this next chapter in his life.' 'Cookbook' is a crime drama set in the early '70s in the American South, while 'Concessions' follows the closing of a legendary movie theater and costars Josh Hamilton. According to his IMDb, Madsen was also set to appear in 'Saturday at the Starlight,' a comedy set at a roller rink in the 1990s costarring Abigail Breslin and Denise Richards, and 'Oldfellas,' about aging mobsters at a retirement resort. Madsen was also preparing to release a book called 'Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems.' 'You'll make a great film when you least expect it, or don't really anticipate it ... I don't have a crystal ball or time machine, I can't know what's going to happen,' Madsen told Vulture in 2008. 'I just want longevity.' — CNN


The Onion
08-04-2025
- Business
- The Onion
Mega Millions Raises Price Of Tickets To $5
Mega Millions players will get slightly better odds and should start seeing more billion-dollar jackpots, but at a cost with tickets for the multi-state lottery jumping in price from $2 to $5. What do you think? 'This is going to price a lot of people out of being delusional.' Darrell Kloker, Recommendation Expert 'Bad day to be my baby formula budget.' Tina Waldman, Success Congratulator 'If I had five bucks, I wouldn't need to play the lottery.' Edmund Lindquist, Species Tabulator