Actor Michael Madsen, renowned for his roles in Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, has died at the age of 67, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told Newsweek.
Newsweek has reached out to the Los Angeles Police Department and Madsen’s representative at EMR Media Entertainment, Liz Rodriguez, for comment via email on Thursday.
What To Know
Madsen was found unresponsive by deputies responding to a 911 call at his Malibu home, which occurred around 8:30 a.m. local time, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told Newsweek in a phone interview.
Michael Madsen Cause of Death: What We Know
Several outlets, including NBC and The Hollywood Reporter, have reported that Madsen’s manager, Ron Smith, and Liz Rodriguez, his representative at EMR Media Entertainment, believe he died from cardiac arrest.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told Newsweek he died of “natural causes.”
Actor Michael Madsen poses during a photocall for Tarantino’s latest movie, ‘The Hateful Eight’ in Rome on January 28, 2016.
Actor Michael Madsen poses during a photocall for Tarantino’s latest movie, ‘The Hateful Eight’ in Rome on January 28, 2016.
Associated Press
What movies did Madsen star in?
Madsen acted in numerous movies, becoming a regular in the famed director Quentin Tarantino’s films, such as Reservoir Dogs, the Kill Bill movies, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Other films include Thelma & Louise, American Night, WarGames, Free Willy, Sin City, and Scary Movie 4, among others.
The Chicago native has won dozens of awards and nominations for his work.
What People Are Saying
Madsen’s publicist, Liz Rodriguez, and Madsen’s managers, Susan Ferris and Ron Smith said in a statement: “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. Michael was also preparing to release a new book called ‘Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems,’ currently being edited.
“Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”
Actor, comedian, director, and screenwriter, Rob Schneider wrote in an X, formerly Twitter post on Thursday: “Michael Madsen was a dream to work with. A truly gifted actor & gentleman who made every person on the set comfortable; generous with his stories & with his infectious laughter. I only wish we could have done more things together in this crazy business. My love to his kids & friends”
Update 7/3/25, 2:45 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Updated 7/3/25, 2:15 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.