Michael Madsen remembered as 'mischief wrapped in tenderness'
The 67-year-old actor was pronounced dead on Thursday (03.07.25) after being found unresponsive at his home in Malibu, California with his manager Ron Smith telling Dailymail.com that 'cardiac arrest' appeared to be the cause of death - and he has now been honoured by Candyman star Virginia, who paid tribute in a message posted on Instagram.
She shared a picture of the siblings alongside their mother and wrote: "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.
"I'll miss our inside jokes, the sudden laughter, the sound of him. I'll miss the boy he was before the legend. I miss my big brother."
Virginia went on to thank fans for their well wishes and explained a plan to "celebrate" Michael's life will be revealed in due course.
She added: "Thank you to everyone reaching out with love and memory. In time, we'll share how we plan to celebrate his life.
"But for now - we stay close, and let the silence say what words can't - Virginia Madsen on behalf of the Madsen family."
Fellow screen star Sharon Stone shared her sorrow in the comments section, writing: "My sincere condolences to you and your family."
Actor Billy Baldwin paid tribute in a message posted on X, writing: "Fitting that Michael Madsen would pass away on 4th of July weekend. He was no firecracker … a total stick of dynamite on screen and in life. Rest easy my friend."
Walton Goggins, who appeared opposite Michael in Quentin Tarantino's 2015 movie The Hateful Eight, shared his thoughts on Instagram, writing: "Michael Madsen … this man … this artist … this poet … this rascal …F****** ICON ….
"Aura like no one else. Ain't enough words so I'll just say this …. I love you buddy. A H8TER forever."
In a post on X, Jennifer Tilly - who starred alongside the actor in 1994 movie The Getaway - wrote: "Michael was one of my favorite actors I ever worked with.
"The Getaway was very early in my career and he made me feel safe and supported. He was wildly audacious and rambunctious with his character choices, and had a wicked sense of humor.
"I don't recall ever laughing so much on a film set in my life. A huge talent. Gone too soon. Rip Michael Madsen."
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