Washington DC [US], July 4: Renowned Hollywood actor Michael Madsen, best known for his unforgettable roles in Quentin Tarantino classics like Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2 and Reservoir Dogs, passed away on Thursday at the age of 67. As reported by Variety, Madsen was found unresponsive at his home in Malibu. His representative confirmed the cause of death as a cardiac arrest.
In a heartfelt joint statement, Madsen’s managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith, along with publicist Liz Rodriguez, reflected on the actor’s recent work and future plans:
“In the last two years, Michael Madsen had been doing some incredible work with independent films, including upcoming features Resurrection Road, Concessions, and Cookbook for Southern Housewives. He was excited about this new chapter in his life and was also preparing to release a new book titled 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.”
Madsen became a household name for his portrayal of Mr. Blonde in Tarantino’s 1992 cult classic Reservoir Dogs, alongside Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, and Steve Buscemi. His long-standing collaboration with Tarantino also included roles in The Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.
With a filmography spanning over 300 titles, Madsen also delivered standout performances in notable films such as Donnie Brasco, Thelma & Louise, Sin City, The Doors, Species, Mulholland Falls, and Once Upon a Time in Mexico.
Madsen was born on September 25, 1957, in Chicago to Elaine, a filmmaker and author, and Calvin Christian Madsen, a firefighter. He is survived by his siblings Cheryl Madsen and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen.
Virginia paid tribute to her brother in an emotional statement to Variety:
“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 or a myth — but flesh and blood and ferocious heart… Who leaves us echoes — gruff, brilliant, unrepeatable — half legend, half lullaby.”
She concluded,
“I’ll miss our inside jokes, the sudden laughter, the sound of him. 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.”
Outside of acting, Madsen was also an accomplished poet, with works including Burning in Paradise, Expecting Rain, and his upcoming release Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems.
Michael Madsen leaves behind a legacy that spans decades and genres — a true Hollywood original who will be deeply missed by fans and colleagues around the world.