The Last Act of Michael Madsen

Actor Michael Madsen has died. The 67-year-old was found lifeless this morning, July 3, at his Malibu home. NBC News reports. Madsen starred in several films by director Quentin Tarantino such as 'Reservoir Dogs', 'Kill Bill Vol. 1', 'Kill Bill Vol. 2', 'The Hateful Eight', and 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood'. Emergency services, alerted by a 911 call, responded promptly but could only confirm his death. The causes of death have not been disclosed, but the Los Angeles police have stated that homicide is not suspected. However, the mystery remains. Manager Ron Smith explained that Madsen died of cardiac arrest. The actor's managers stated: 'In the last two years, Michael Madsen worked intensely in independent cinema, participating in projects like 'Resurrection Road', 'Concessions', and 'Cookbook for Southern Housewives'. He was excited about this new chapter of his career'. Additionally, Madsen was preparing the publication of an autobiographical book titled 'Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems'. Tarantino, on his X account, posted a photo: 'Rip Michael'. The character that brought him great notoriety was the psychopathic Mr. Blonde, who in an unforgettable scene from Reservoir Dogs tortures a police officer while dancing to the tune of Stuck In The Middle With You. Michael Madsen, a beloved actor to Quentin Tarantino, who also cast him in Kill Bill: Vol. 1, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, was found dead in his Malibu home this morning at dawn. He was 67 years old. His manager, Ron Smith, explained that a cardiac arrest struck him down. 'In the last two years, Madsen has done incredible work with independent cinema, including the films Resurrection Road, Concessions, and Cookbook for Southern Housewives, and he was really eager to start this new chapter of his life', his agents stated. 'Michael was also preparing to publish a new book of poems titled 'Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems'. Born in Chicago on September 25, 1957, the son of firefighter Calvin Christian Madsen and director Elaine Madsen (and brother of Oscar-nominated Virginia), Madsen began acting at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago in 1980, working as an apprentice with John Malkovich and taking part in a production of Of Mice and Men. In 1982, he appeared in two episodes of St. Elsewhere, the following year he had a small role in Matthew Broderick's hit WarGames. After several film roles (Diner, The Natural, Racing With The Moon) and TV appearances (Cagney & Lacey, Miami Vice, War and Remembrance), Madsen gained fame in the '90s thanks to cult films like Thelma & Louise and The Doors, and then his collaboration with Tarantino. His extensive filmography includes over 300 titles, including Donnie Brasco, Sin City, Mulholland Falls, and Once Upon a Time in Mexico. 'He was one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, who will be missed by many', stated his managers Smith and Susan Ferris, and his publicist Liz Rodriguez. Madsen was also an accomplished poet, with several collections to his name, including Burning in Paradise, Expected Rain, and his forthcoming book Tears for My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems. In 2024, he was arrested on charges of domestic violence following an argument with his estranged wife DeAnna. The two had a son, Hudson, who died by suicide in 2022. Madsen had five other children.