Prolific actor Michael Madsen, renowned for his memorable performances in Quentin Tarantino classics Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, died aged 67.
Madsen was found unresponsive in his Malibu home Thursday morning after a 911 call. When emergency services arrived at the scene, he was pronounced dead. The cause of death is believed to be a cardiac arrest.
Madsen’s manager Ron Smith confirmed the news of his tragic passing.
“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,” the joint statement by the actor’s managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith and publicist Liz Rodriguez read.
“Michael was also preparing to release a new book called ‘Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems’ currently being edited,” it added. “Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”
The Chicago-born actor started his acting career, which spanned over 4 decades, in the early ’80s.
He first starred in low-budget films before he appeared in more notable films of the 1980, including Racing With the Moon, The Natural and Kill Me Again.
In 1991, Madsen landed the role of Jimmy, Louise’s put-upon love interest in Ridley Scott’s Thelma & Louise.
What followed was his first collaboration with Tarantino in Reservoir Dogs, where he played Mr. Blonde—a role that marked the start of his high-octane career.
Michael Madsen continued appearing in action-packed films and occasional big hits like Donnie Brasco and Wyatt Earp.
Throughout his career, he starred in more than 70 film, including the classics The Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
In 2022, Madsen suffered the loss of his son Hudson, 26, who died of suicide. Two years following Hudson’s passing, Madsen filed for divorce from his wife of 28 years, DeAnna Madsen. He believed her “neglect, drinking, and alcoholism” contributed to their son’s death. The couple shared two other sons, Calvin, 27, and Luke, 18.
“Are you gonna bark all day little doggie, or are you gonna bite?”
— Joe Russo (@joerussotweets) July 3, 2025
Michael Madsen ALWAYS had bite.
RIP. pic.twitter.com/bJ5y5ipt8p
Madsen was also a father to sons Christian, 34, and Max, 30, whom he shared with his second wife, actress Jeannine Bisignano, and a daughter, Jessica, whom he had with Dana Hechling. From 1984 to 1988, he was married to his first wife, Georganne LaPiere, the half-sister of Cher.
Tributes poured in for Michael Madsen.
His sister, Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, wrote in a 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.”
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Bored Daddy
Love and Peace