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Actor Michael Madsen, known for 'Kill Bill' and 'Reservoir Dogs,' dead at 67

Actor Michael Madsen was found unresponsive Thursday morning, following a cardiac arrest.
Bruno Vincent
/
Getty Images Europe
Actor Michael Madsen was found unresponsive Thursday morning, following a cardiac arrest.

Michael Madsen, the actor known for his collaborations with director Quentin Tarantino, has died. He was found unresponsive in his Malibu home Thursday morning after a cardiac arrest. He was 67 years old.

The news was confirmed by his managers, Susan Ferris and Rob Smith, and publicist Liz Rodriguez, who sent a statement stating, "Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, who will be missed by many."

Madsen had more than 300 credits to his name – across film, television and video games. But he was maybe best known for his role in Quentin Tarantino's 1992 directorial debut, Reservoir Dogs. As Mr. Blonde, he was soft-spoken yet terrifying – exemplified by the now-classic scene involving a straight-razor and an ear.

He worked with Tarantino multiple times in Kill Bill and The Hateful Eight.

According to the statement from his representatives, Madsen was "looking forward to the next chapter of his life." He has multiple feature films upcoming, and he was preparing to release a new book, titled Tears for My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems.

Copyright 2025 NPR

Andrew Limbong is a reporter for NPR's Arts Desk, where he does pieces on anything remotely related to arts or culture, from streamers looking for mental health on Twitch to Britney Spears' fight over her conservatorship. He's also covered the near collapse of the live music industry during the coronavirus pandemic. He's the host of NPR's Book of the Day podcast and a frequent host on Life Kit.