Michael Madsen, ‘Reservoir Dogs’ star, dies at 67
Michael Madsen, a prolific actor whose career was punctuated by a longstanding collaboration with Quentin Tarantino, has died at 67.
Michael Madsen, a prolific actor whose career was punctuated by a longstanding collaboration with Quentin Tarantino, has died at 67.
Madsen died Thursday, July 3, following a cardiac arrest, manager Ron Smith confirmed to USA TODAY.
Madsen, who appeared in some of Tarantino’s biggest films, including “Reservoir Dogs,” “Kill Bill: Vol. 2” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” was known for playing a tough guy on screen and enjoyed success in the movie business for over four decades, racking up some 300 credits.
“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,” his managers wrote in a joint statement.
“Michael was also preparing to release a new book called Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems currently being edited,” they added. “Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”
Not confining himself to one facet of the arts, he was also a published poet with several collections, penning several collections including “Burning in Paradise” and “Expecting Rain.” He also found comfort both in front of and behind the camera, taking up photography as a side passion.
All his work reflected a stern and studied gaze on the world he attempted to capture.
Michael Madsen movies, from ‘Free Willy’ to Mr. Blonde in ‘Reservoir Dogs’
Other notable roles include Sonny Black in “Donny Brasco” and Jimmy in “Thelma and Louise.” In the ’80s and early ’90s he racked up a dizzying arraw of high profile credits from “The Natural” to “Free Willy” to “The Getaway.”
Both parts gruff and soulful, Madsen could create complexity and sensitivity even in a character not much built for it. His commitment to taking up the entire screen, metaphorically, made his acting feel larger than life. Madsen was perhaps best known for his roles in Tarantino’s classics, from the grizzly Mr. Blonde in “Reservoir Dogs” to the assassin Budd in “Kill Bill: Vol. 1” and its sequel.
Madsen is survived by his sister Virginia Madsen and wife DeAnna Madsen, from whom he filed for divorce in 2024, as well as children from his marriage with DeAnna and previous relationships.
Madsen, who was arrested on a domestic violence charge in August, filed for divorce in Los Angeles County Superior Court in September, according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY.
The actor cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for his split. The couple had been separated since the January 2022 death of their son Hudson, who died by suicide at age 26. Madsen also filed a restraining order at the time against DeAnna to “ensure his safety and well-being” amid their breakup.
