'Resevoir Dogs,' 'Kill Bill' Actor Michael Madsen Dies at 67
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Michael Madsen, actor and frequent collaborator with writer/director Quentin Tarantino, has died at the age of 67.
According to NBC Los Angeles, Madsen was found unresponsive Thursday morning at his home after a 911 call. He was declared dead at the scene. No foul play is suspected.
Liz Rodriguez, Madsen's publicist from EMR Media Entertainment, told The Hollywood Reporter that Madsen suffered a cardiac arrest.
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A screen actor since the 1980s, Madsen was best known for tough guy roles, particularly in Quentin Tarantino's films. Along with Tarantino's feature directorial debut "Reservoir Dogs", Madsen appeared in both "Kill Bill" films, "The Hateful Eight", and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood".
Michael Madsen attends the 8th Filming Italy 2023 Festival on March 01, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Michael Madsen attends the 8th Filming Italy 2023 Festival on March 01, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Daniele Venturelli / Getty Images
Beyond his work with Tarantino, some of Madsen's more memorable roles include parts in "Donnie Brasco", "WarGames", "Thelma & Louise", "Die Another Day", and "The Doors".
Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter in 2018, Madsen said that he thought he'd become so well known as a big-screen tough guy that fans thought that's who he really was.
"Fame is a two-edged sword," Madsen said. "There are a lot of blessings but also a lot of heavy things that come with it. I think it has a lot to do with the characters I've played. I think I've been more believable than I should have been. I think people really fear me. They see me and go: 'Holy s--t, there's that guy!'"
"But I'm not that guy. I'm just an actor. I'm a father, I've got seven children. I'm married, I've been married 20 years. When I'm not making a movie, I'm home, in pajamas, watching 'The Rifleman' on TV, hopefully with my 12-year-old making me a cheeseburger."
"I sure as hell had my rabble-rousing days, but sooner or later you have to get over that and move on."
Rodriguez, along with Madsen's managers, Susan Ferris and Ron Smith, released a statement upon news of the actor's passing:
"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'. Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, who will be missed by many."
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