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From the Washington Post: Michael Madsen, whose menacing characters in “Reservoir Dogs” and “Kill Bill” made him a standout in Quentin Tarantino’s films, has died. He was 66.
Madsen was found unresponsive in his home in Malibu, California, on Thursday morning and pronounced dead, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Watch Commander Christopher Jauregui said. He is believed to have died of natural causes and authorities do not suspect any foul play was involved. Madsen’s manager Ron Smith said cardiac arrest was the apparent cause.
Madsen’s career spanned more than 300 credits stretching back to the early 1980s, many in low-budget films. But his most memorable screen moment may have been the sadistic torture of a captured police officer — while dancing to Stealers Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle with You” — as Mr. Blonde in 1992’s “Reservoir Dogs.”
Tributes for Madsen are pouring in. Actor James Woods wrote, “Oh man, this is a hard one. Michael and I did The Getaway together. We did Straight Talk together. I was always touched by his sweet nature and generosity, the absolute opposite of the “tough guys” he portrayed so brilliantly. Rest in Peace, dear friend.”
X user Cinema Tweets wrote, “Losing Michael Madsen is an absolute gut-punch. What an incredible actor, gone way too soon. Without question, I’ll remember him in part from his outstanding performance in Kill Bill. Madsen’s partnership with Tarantino was so special. This is incredibly sad news.”
From Danny Count Koker: “I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Michael Madsen. We built a Vintage Mustang for him some time back and he was such a Gentleman to me. We got to spend time together at his home and he was so generous with his time. We stayed in touch for years and I will always respect and miss him. God Bless you Michael…..”
“Reservoir Dogs” and “Kill Bill” actor Michael Madsen has died at 67 years old.
His managers released the following statement: “In the last two years Michael Madsen has been doing some incredible work with independent film including upcoming feature films ‘Resurrection Road,’… pic.twitter.com/MhtxRLikvU
— Variety (@Variety) July 3, 2025
BREAKING: Michael Madsen, a character actor best known for playing sneering tough guys in Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” and “Kill Bill: Vol. 2,” passes away from cardiac arrest, according to his manager. https://t.co/4B04207wCz
— NBC News (@NBCNews) July 3, 2025
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