Michael Søren Madsen
September 25, 1957 – July 3, 2025
Michael Madsen, the brooding, intense presence of modern cinema—best known for his unforgettable performances in Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill Vol. 2, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood—passed away on July 3, 2025, at the age of 67. He died of apparent cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu, California, and was pronounced dead at 8:25 a.m. PT. Authorities reported no suspicion of foul play
Born in Chicago, Madsen began his career on the stage before transitioning to film with early roles in WarGames (1983), The Doors (1991), and Thelma & Louise (1991)
.He shot to prominence as Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs (1992), delivering one of the most chilling and iconic scenes in modern cinema—ear-cutting to “Stuck in the Middle with You”—securing his place in Tarantino’s pantheon.
Madsen’s filmography spans more than 300 credits, including notable appearances in Donnie Brasco, Die Another Day, Sin City, and voice roles in games like Grand Theft Auto III and the
. In recent years, he embraced independent cinema, working on projects such as Resurrection Road, Concessions, and Cookbook for Southern Housewives
He was also pursuing a literary project: a book of poems titled Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems, which was in the editing phase at the time of his death
Off-screen, Madsen was a devoted father of seven. He endured personal tragedies, including the death of his 26-year-old son, Hudson, by suicide in January 2022, and a divorce filed in
. Friends described him as a “tortured soul” with a deep emotional complexity, who sought to be remembered not just as an actor but as a poet people.com.
Colleagues expressed grief and admiration: Harvey Keitel called him “another great American poet,” and Vivica A. Fox praised his “amazing on‑screen presence” His longtime friend and attorney, Perry Wander, reflected that Madsen is now in “a happier place”
Michael Madsen leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable characters and raw charisma. His contribution to cinema and cultural memory—marked by iconic film moments and artistic breadth—will endure