MOVIE NEWS – Hollywood mourns the loss of Michael Madsen, the legendary character actor, who died today at his Los Angeles County home at the age of 67. Authorities responded to a call early Thursday morning and found Madsen unresponsive. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. No foul play is suspected; manager Ron Smith later confirmed that the Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill icon died of cardiac arrest.

Managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith, along with publicist Liz Rodriguez, released a joint statement: “Over the last two years, Michael did outstanding work in independent films […] and was really looking forward to the next chapter in his life. He was also preparing to release a new book, Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems, which is currently being edited. Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, and he will be missed by so many.”

Born September 25, 1957, in Chicago, Madsen began his career on stage, appearing in plays such as Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. He quickly transitioned to Hollywood, landing roles in 1980s films like WarGames and The Natural. His big break came in the early ‘90s, first as Tom Baker in Oliver Stone’s The Doors and then as the easygoing husband in Ridley Scott’s Thelma & Louise, starring alongside Susan Sarandon.

Without Michael Madsen, Tarantino wouldn’t be Tarantino

Though he had found success in other films, it was his portrayal of Vic Vega (Mr. Blonde) in Reservoir Dogs—Quentin Tarantino’s first feature—that made Madsen a legend. Many say that without Madsen’s unforgettable ear-cutting scene, Tarantino’s career would have taken a different path. With his calm, detached, yet darkly humorous performance, Madsen became a part of cinema history.

Tarantino couldn’t get Madsen for Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction, but he continued casting him in his films: the Kill Bill duology, The Hateful Eight, and a cameo in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Outside Tarantino’s circle, Madsen was a cult figure in his own right—with at least four films in the works at the time of his death, most recently appearing in the Civil War horror Resurrection Road, released June 6.

For a true look at Madsen’s life, check out American Badass: A Michael Madsen Retrospective, a documentary featuring tributes from colleagues and friends. Reservoir Dogs is currently available on Paramount+ for those wishing to honor his legacy.

Source: MovieWeb