Michael Madsen, who was in several Quentin Tarantino films such as Kill Bill, sadly died aged 67 after he was found unresponsive at his home in Malibu, California.Michael MadsenMichael Madsen has died aged 67(Image: Getty Images)

Alcoholism and heart disease are believed to have played a factor in the death of Hollywood actor Michael Madsen.

The Kill Bill star, aged 67, was found unresponsive at his Malibu, California home last week. His manager stated this was a result of a cardiac arrest, reports the Mirror.

His cardiologist has now confirmed his official cause of death to be heart failure and said contributing factors to this include heart disease and alcoholism.

Madsen’s lawyer said the actor – best known for his roles in Quenten Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill – was struggling with an alcohol addiction before he died.

No autopsy will be conducted because the cardiologist who was treating Madsen signed the death certificate, it is understood.

The doctor who will remain anonymous, told NBC Los Angeles the updated developments on Wednesday, July 9.

The publication also details poignant tributes for the star, who was in multiple Quentin Tarantino films during his 40-year career.

Madsen’s sister Virginia had said last week: “My brother Michael has left the stage. 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. Who stormed through life loud, brilliant, and half on fire. Who leaves us echoes – gruff, brilliant, unrepeatable – half legend, half lullaby.”

Those closest to Madsen said in addition to his acting roles, the star was preparing to release a new book.

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A statement from his representatives issued after the tragedy read: “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.

“Madsen 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.”

The actor’s film career spanned decades, beginning in the early 1980s with minor roles in the likes of WarGames and Racing With the Moon. His biggest early break came in 1992 when, aged 35, he played a central role in Reservoir Dogs. It sparked a long relationship with its director Tarantino, which saw the duo work together with Kill Bill: Volume 2, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood over the years.

But as well as his legacy, tragic Madsen, born in Chicago, Illnois, leaves behind his seven children, wife DeAnna Morgan, his two siblings, and mother.