Michael Madsen, Reservoir Dogs Star, Dies at 67

Michael Madsen, acclaimed for his roles in Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, has passed away at 67 due to cardiac arrest.

NBC confirmed Madsen was discovered deceased at his Malibu residence Thursday morning, as reported by his manager Ron Smith.

"Over the past two years, Michael Madsen had been actively involved in remarkable independent film projects such as the upcoming Resurrection Road, Concessions, and Cookbook for Southern Housewives. He was eagerly anticipating this new phase of his career," stated his managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith, alongside publicist Liz Rodriguez.

"Michael was also finalizing his book Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems, currently undergoing edits. A legendary figure in Hollywood, Madsen leaves behind a lasting legacy cherished by countless fans."

Madsen gained widespread recognition through his collaborations with Quentin Tarantino, notably portraying the deranged Mr. Blonde in 1992's Reservoir Dogs (Tarantino's debut film) and later as Budd in the Kill Bill series. He also appeared in Tarantino's 2015 western The Hateful Eight and the 2019 film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Despite starring in acclaimed films, Madsen also featured in less favorably reviewed projects like 1995's Species and Uwe Boll's critically scorned BloodRayne, which he openly criticized.

A Chicago native, Madsen's breakthrough role came in 1983's WarGames. His diverse filmography includes Thelma & Louise (1991), Free Willy, Donnie Brasco (1997), Die Another Day (2002), Sin City, and Scary Movie 4.

Madsen lent his voice to several video game characters, including Toni Cipriani in Grand Theft Auto 3, William Carver in The Walking Dead, and Daud in the Dishonored series. In 2023, he starred in Crime Boss: Rockay City, a cooperative first-person shooter.