Michael Madsen, who film fans will remember from his numerous roles in Quentin Tarantino Movies, has died at the age of 67.As reported by Variety, the actor was found unresponsive in his home from what appeared to be cardiac arrest. Madsen had amassed an impressive number of screen credits throughout his more than 40-year career in film.
Madsen’s roles were varied. He made his film debut in 1983’sWarGames, and had significant roles inThe DoorsandThelma and Louise. However, he likely made the biggest impact on audiences with his ruthless turn as Mr. Blonde inReservoir Dogs. From there, Madsen would appear in four more Tarantino-directed titles, appearing asthe villainous Budd inKill Bill vol. 1 and 2, Joe Gage inThe Hateful Eight, and Sheriff Hackett inOnce Upon A Time In Hollywood.
In a joint statement (viaVariety), Madsen’s managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith and publicist Liz Rodriguez said of the actor, “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 statement also noted that Madsen had written a book titledTears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems, which is currently in the editing process.
Madsen may have had plenty of on-screen roles throughout his career, but he also appeared in numerous animated projects, providing voice work for movies andshows as varied asBob’s Burgers, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Green Lantern: First Flight, andAxe Cop. Madsen appeared intelevision shows like24,Miami Vice,Quantum Leap, andSt. Elsewhere. Beyond his work with Quentin Tarantino, Madsen made an impression with roles in movies likeDonnie Brasco, Species,andWyatt Earp. He also played against his usual type inFree Willy, where he took on the role of a caring foster father.
Madsen was known for his tough-guy roles in television and film, but in his personal life, Madsen worked with the Shriners Hospital for Children, and in 2016 hosted the event An Intimate Evening with Michael Madsen to raise money for Children’s Pediatric Cancer.
Actor Virginia Madsen, Michael’s sister, posted about her brother’s death onInstagram, writing in part, “I’ll miss our inside jokes, the sudden laughter, the sound of him. I’ll miss the boy he was before the legend. I miss my big brother.” Harvey Keitel, who co-starred with Madsen in Reservoir Dogs,told the New York Post, “I’ll never forget one of the best scenes I’ve ever seen on film — of you and Chris Penn fighting in ‘Reservoir Dogs.” Another of Madsen’s Tarantino co-stars, Vivica A. Fox, who appeared in the Kill Bill movies,said in a statement to the New York Post, “Michael was a talented man with an AMAZING on-screen presence! My deepest condolences & prayers to his family.”
Beyond his work in film and on television, Madden was also an accomplished voice actor in numerous video games. He lent his voice tosuch titles asGrand Theft Auto III, Dishonored, Dishonored 2, True Crime: Streets of LA, andCall of Duty: Black Ops II. Madsen leaves behind a legacy of great performances and will be remembered for his powerhouse roles in some of the best action and thriller movies ever made.
