Michael Madsen Passes Away, Aged 67
Image: Gage Skidmore
Prolific Hollywood actor Michael Madsen has died, aged 67. He was found unresponsive in his Malibu home, according to authorities and his representatives.
Los Angeles county deputies responded to a 911 call from Madsen’s residence where the actor was pronounced dead at the scene. No foul play is suspected and Madsen’s manager Ron Smith confirmed in an email that Madsen died from cardiac arrest.
“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,” managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith, and publicist Liz Rodriguez said.
“Michael was also preparing to release a new book called ‘Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems’. Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”
Michael Madsen held a domineering presence in Hollywood, largely due to his roles in Quentin Tarantino films. Michael portrayed complicated characters like hitmen, gangsters and outlaws with a cool aplomb, adding to his onscreen mystique.
Born in Chicago in 1957, Michael Madsen had early roles in the science fiction film, ‘WarGames’ and John Dahl’s thriller ‘Kill Me Again’ opposite Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley. It was with Tarantino’s directorial debut ‘Reservoir Dogs’ in 1992 that Madsen shone with his performance as Mr Blonde and established a reputation for shining in criminal thrillers. His torturing of LAPD officer Marvin Nash to the tune of ‘Stuck In The Middle With You’ remains one of modern cinema’s enduring scenes.
Madsen frequently collaborated with Tarantino, performing in a number of the acclaimed director’s films, including ‘Kill Bill Vol. 2’ and ‘The Hateful Eight’. He was also the alternate casting choice for Vincent Vega in ‘Pulp Fiction’, which went to John Travolta.
Michael Madsen’s sister is Oscar-nominated Sideways actor Virginia Madsen, who paid tribute to her brother in an Instagram post.
“He was thunder and velvet. Mischief wrapped in tenderness. A poet disguised as an outlaw. A father, a son, a brother – etched in contradiction, tempered by love that left its mark. We’re not mourning a public figure. We’re not mourning a myth – but flesh and blood and ferocious heart,” the post read.
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