Michael Madsen, Iconic ‘Reservoir Dogs’ and ‘Kill Bill’ Star, Passes at Age 67

Actor Michael Madsen, known for his roles in Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill, and Donnie Brasco, has died at the age of 67, as reported by The New York Post.

His manager, Ron Smith, confirmed the death on Thursday, stating that Madsen reportedly suffered cardiac arrest. Authorities found him unresponsive at his home in Malibu, California, early that morning.

Oh man, this is a hard one. Michael and I did The Getaway together. We did Straight Talk together. I was always touched by his sweet nature and generosity, the absolute opposite of the “tough guys” he portrayed so brilliantly. Rest in Peace, dear friend. #MichaelMadsen pic.twitter.com/nN40LvDCdH

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) July 3, 2025

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The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department pronounced him dead at the scene at 8:25 a.m. No foul play is suspected, and the cause is believed to be natural.

Madsen appeared in more than 325 film and television projects throughout his four-decade career. He was widely recognized for portraying gritty, intense characters in films by Quentin Tarantino, who frequently cast him in key roles.

Madsen played “Mr. Blonde” in Reservoir Dogs and “Budd” in Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, and he later appeared in The Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

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Born in Chicago on September 25, 1957, Madsen began his career with a role in the 1983 film WarGames. He is the older brother of actress Virginia Madsen.

Virginia Madsen mourns her big brother Michael Madsen in an emotional tribute after his death:

“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.… pic.twitter.com/duIQRukVys

— Variety (@Variety) July 3, 2025

At the time of his death, Madsen had recently completed work on several independent films and was preparing to publish a new book of poetry, Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems. The foreword of the upcoming book was written by Tarantino.

In 2018, Madsen addressed his long-standing typecast reputation, telling The Hollywood Reporter that his characters often left people fearing him in real life. “I think I’ve been more believable than I should have been,” he said. “But I’m not that guy. I’m just an actor.”

Omg Rip Michael Madsen, you’ll forever be famous pic.twitter.com/ARLXCB9Gzh

— ً (@Onlykayoo) July 3, 2025

Despite a career that continued to draw interest, Madsen’s personal life had recently faced strain. He filed for divorce from his wife DeAnna in September 2024 after 28 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences and blaming her for the 2022 suicide of their son Hudson.

The court filing included accusations of neglect and alcoholism.

In August 2024, Madsen was arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery but was released on bond. The L.A. County District Attorney did not pursue charges due to lack of evidence. Madsen later sought a restraining order against DeAnna as part of the divorce proceedings.

He is survived by his sisters, Virginia and Cheryl, and four of his children, including actor Christian Madsen, 35.

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