Michael Madsen, the gravel-voiced actor known for his commanding screen presence and roles in some of Quentin Tarantino’s most iconic films, has died at age 67. He was found unresponsive in his Malibu home on July 3 and was pronounced dead at the scene. His manager confirmed that Madsen died of cardiac arrest, and authorities said there was no indication of foul play.
Over a career that spanned more than three decades and over 300 film and television credits, Madsen became widely recognized for his work in both mainstream and independent cinema. He first gained major attention for his role as Mr. Blonde in Tarantino’s 1992 crime classic Reservoir Dogs, delivering a chilling performance that remains one of the film’s most talked-about moments.
Madsen continued to collaborate with Tarantino, appearing in Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Outside of his work with Tarantino, he appeared in films such as Donnie Brasco, Thelma & Louise, and Sin City, building a reputation for portraying rugged, intense characters with a magnetic screen presence.
In a recent statement, his team said Madsen had been looking forward to a new creative chapter and a slate of independent film projects.
Following news of his death, Madsen’s 19-year-old son, Luke, shared a tribute online, calling his father his hero and “a damn good father.”
His sister, actress Virginia Madsen, described him as “thunder and velvet… a poet disguised as an outlaw.”
Madsen is survived by his wife and children. He leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and will be remembered as one of Hollywood’s most distinctive and intense character actors.