Michael Madsen, the actor known best for his roles in Quentin Tarantino films including “Kill Bill: Vols. 1 & 2″ and “Reservoir Dogs,” died, age 67.
HDN Newsroom
Madsen was found unresponsive in his Malibu home Thursday morning, according to his rep, who said the cause appeared to be a cardiac arrrest.
“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. Michael was also preparing to release a new book called ‘Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems’ currently being edited,” Madsen’s managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith and publicist Liz Rodriguez said in a joint statement. “Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”
Madsen portrayed Mr. Blonde in “Reservoir Dogs,” the 1992 crime film that also starred Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney, Edward Bunker and director Tarantino. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, his character cuts off a police officer’s ear while dancing to Stealers Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle With You.”
Madsen went on to collaborate with Tarantino on both “Kill Bill” films as well as “The Hateful Eight” and “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.” His filmography spans more than 300 titles, including “Donnie Brasco,” “Thelma & Louise,” “Sin City,” “The Doors,” “Species,” “Mulholland Falls” and “Once Upon a Time in Mexico.”
