Actor Michael Madsen, known for his iconic roles in Quentin Tarantino’s films “Reservoir Dogs” and “Kill Bill: Vol. 2,” passed away on Thursday morning from cardiac arrest at the age of 67, as confirmed by his manager, Ron Smith. Madsen had a prolific career spanning over 40 years and was celebrated for his collaborations with Tarantino, portraying memorable characters such as Mr. Blonde in “Reservoir Dogs” and Budd in “Kill Bill: Vol. 2.”
Apart from his work with Tarantino, Madsen appeared in numerous films such as “The Doors,” “Thelma & Louise,” and “Donnie Brasco.” He also lent his voice to video games like “Grand Theft Auto III” and published poetry and photography. Born in Chicago in 1957, Madsen began his career at the Steppenwolf Theatre and went on to establish himself in the industry with his breakthrough role in “Reservoir Dogs.”
Despite opting out of a role in “Pulp Fiction” for “Wyatt Earp,” Madsen’s portrayal of characters like Mr. Blonde and Budd earned him a lasting place in film history. He continued to work steadily in various projects throughout his career, including appearances in notable films like “Die Another Day” and “Sin City.” Madsen was married three times and is survived by four children, including actor Christian Madsen, while another son, Hudson, passed away in 2022.
