Michael Madsen, ‘Reservoir Dogs’ and ‘Kill Bill’ Actor, Dies at 67

Michael Madsen, the actor known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino films including “Kill Bill: Vols. 1 & 2″ and “Reservoir Dogs,” has died, Variety has confirmed. He was 67.

Madsen was found unresponsive in his Malibu home Thursday morning, according to his rep, who said the cause appeared to be a cardiac arrrest.

“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,” Madsen’s managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith and publicist Liz Rodriguez said in a joint statement. “Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”

Madsen portrayed Mr. Blonde in “Reservoir Dogs,” the 1992 crime film that also starred Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney, Edward Bunker and director Tarantino. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, his character cuts off a police officer’s ear while dancing to Stealers Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle With You.”

Madsen went on to collaborate with Tarantino on both “Kill Bill” films as well as “The Hateful Eight” and “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.” His filmography spans more than 300 titles, including “Donnie Brasco,” “Thelma & Louise,” “Sin City,” “The Doors,” “Species,” “Mulholland Falls” and “Once Upon a Time in Mexico.”

After starting out with the Steppenwolf Theater company in Chicago, Madsen was cast in the 1983 “War Games.” He went on to appear in notable films of the 1980s, including “Racing With the Moon,” “The Natural” and “Kill Me Again.”

In the past two decades, he appeared in dozens of low-budget films in addition to his work with Tarantino.

Madsen was born on Sept. 25, 1957, in Chicago to Elaine, a filmmaker and author, and Calvin Christian Madsen, a firefighter. His siblings include Cheryl Madsen and Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen.

Off screen, Madsen was also a published poet, with several collections to his name, including “Burning in Paradise,” “Expecting Rain” and his forthcoming book, “Tears for My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems.”

In 2024, he was arrested on charges of domestic battery after an altercation with his estranged wife DeAnna. The two had a son, Hudson, who died by suicide in 2022.

Madsen had five other children.