Michael Madsen, the gravel-voiced actor who became his mainstay in some of Quentin Tarantino’s most iconic films, has passed away. He was 67 years old.
Madsen was found to be unresponsive at his Malibu home on the morning of July 3rd, and was declared dead at the scene.
His manager, Ron Smith, confirmed with NBC Los Angeles that cardiac arrest was the cause of his death. Authorities believe Madsen died of natural causes and believe that foul play is not suspected.
From Mr. Blonde to movie icons
He has appeared in over 300 projects throughout his career, many of which are low-budget thrillers and indie fares, but Madsen is always remembered for the unforgettable role that defined him. His portrayal of Mr. Blonde in Tarantino’s Reservoir Dog (1992) solidified his position in scenes that remained etched into pop culture.
He became a regular in Tarantino’s cinema universe and appeared in Kill Bill Vol. 1 and vol. 2, hatred 8, and once in Hollywood. With the cowboy’s sw walking, dangerous charm, and eyes that always seem to hide secrets, Madsen brought unmistakable energy to every frame he occupied.
Outside of the world of Tarantino, Madsen has appeared in films such as Donnie Brasco, Thelma & Louise, Sin City, and Zagette Way. His screen presence was grumpy, but magnetic.
“For the past two years, Michael Madsen has done an incredible job in independent films… and I was really looking forward to this next chapter of his life,” his manager and spokesperson said in a joint statement. “He is one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors and will be overlooked by many.”
My father remembered
Just a day after his death, Madsen’s 19-year-old son Luke took him to Instagram to pay tribute to his father. With photos from her childhood, Luke’s Heartfelt post gave us a glimpse into the man behind the role of a tough guy.
“We wear some People’s Heroes Capes and fire lasers out of our eyes,” Luke wrote. “Some people’s heroes can fight the army and overcome anything. My heroes wore cowboy hats. My heroes stood taller and stronger than any man I ever met. My heroes understood better than anyone.”
He continued, “My hero is the coolest and worst person I know. My hero wasn’t just a famous tough guy movie star. My hero was my father. And he was a very good guy.
The post ended with a note of deep sadness and memory. “See you again someday. Say hello to Hudson.” Madsen’s eldest son, Hudson, tragically died of suicide in 2022 at the age of 26.
The tribute will be poured
Michael’s sister and fellow actor Virginia Madsen shared a poetic and emotional statement with Variety. “My brother Michael left the stage. He was thunder and velvet. It was a prank.
“I’ll miss the boy he was before the legend,” she added. “Thank you for reaching out with love and memory.”
Friends and collaborators quickly shared their memories. Vivica A. Fox, who starred with him in Kill Bill, said in a statement shared with The New York Post, “Michael was a talented man with an incredible on-screen presence! My deep pathos and prayers for his family.
Reservoir Dog Co-star Harvey Caitel shared with The New York Post. “We lost another great American poet.
“I will never forget one of the best scenes I’ve seen in the movie. You and Crispen are fighting with the dogs in the reservoir,” Kaytel said. “Amazing love scene. Chris Penn, please embrace Chris Penn,” actor Sean Penn’s brother, passed away in 2006 at the age of 40.
Jennifer Tilly remembered time together on vacation. “He was bold and violent at character choices and had an evil sense of humor.
Michael was one of my favourite actors I have ever worked with. “The Getaway” was very early in my career and he was safe and supportive of me. He was very bold and violent at his character choices and had an evil sense of humor. I don’t remember laughing much… pic.twitter.com/stmttdwxpo
– Jennifer Tilly (@jennifertilly) July 3, 2025
Coach Robert Rodriguez recalled that Madsen had broken the rules for improvement in Sin City and escaped.
Frank Miller and I have always loved talking about things no one could have shown us with Sin City, improvised, improvised, improvised, improvised, improvised. (We wanted to keep the film incredibly faithful to his graphic novels.) But we bent that rule every day Michael Madsen worked with us. Being an amazing writer… pic.twitter.com/zpcbxwkwy7
– Robert Rodriguez (@Rodriguez) July 3, 2025
Walton Goggins, who starred with him in the hatred Eight, took him to Instagram. “Michael Madsen… this guy… this artist… this poet… this Rascal… this f-king icon,” he posted. I love your buddy. H8ter forever. ”
“I’m lucky.”
Madsen’s story was one of grit, talent and timing. At a hand-crafted ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in 2020, he recalls his early days in Hollywood.
“I could have been a brickmaker. I could have been an architect. I could have been a garbage man. I might have been nothing. But I’ve been lucky. I’ve been lucky as an actor.”
At the time of his death, Madsen was working on a book titled Tears for Father: The Ideas and Poetry of the Outlaw. This project was under editing. This is the last expression from a man who lived and worked as if he were saying something urgent.
Michael Madsen is survived by his wife Deanna, his children and his sister Virginia. Madsen has opened up a permanent place on the screen. He leaves behind a memorable legacy of performances and a series of works that continue to resonate with future audiences. rest in peace.
