Michael Madsen, Kill Bill and Reservoir Dogs Star, Dies at 67 in Malibu Home

Michael Madsen, Iconic Actor of Kill Bill and Reservoir Dogs, Dies at 67

Michael Madsen, renowned for his collaborations with Quentin Tarantino in films like Reservoir Dogs (1992) and Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004), has died at age 67. The actor was found unresponsive at his Malibu home early Thursday morning and pronounced dead at the scene. His manager attributed the cause to cardiac arrest.

[IMAGE: Madsen in 2019, caption: "Michael Madsen in 2019."]

Madsen’s career spanned decades, marked by his brooding onscreen presence. He starred in Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight (2015) and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), as well as Donnie Brasco (1997) alongside Johnny Depp. At the time of his death, he was preparing to release a poetry book, Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems, and had upcoming indie films in production.

Personal Struggles and Legal Troubles
Madsen’s death follows years of personal challenges. In 2022, his 26-year-old son Hudson, an Afghan War veteran, died by suicide. Madsen had publicly questioned the military’s handling of his son’s mental health struggles.

[IMAGE: Madsen with son Hudson in 2011, caption: "Madsen with his son Hudson, who died by suicide in 2022."]

The actor also faced multiple legal issues. In 2023, a domestic violence charge involving his wife DeAnna was dismissed due to insufficient evidence. Earlier incidents included a 2022 trespassing arrest at a Malibu rental home and DUIs in 2012 and 2019, the latter leading to a brief jail sentence.

[IMAGE: Madsen in Reservoir Dogs (1992), caption: "Madsen as Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs."]

Legacy and Survivors
Madsen is survived by DeAnna, his wife of 28 years, and five children: Luke, Kalvin, Christian, Max, and Jessica. His marriages to Georganne LaPiere (Cher’s half-sister) and Jeannine Bisignano ended in divorce.

[IMAGE: Madsen in Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004), caption: "Madsen with co-star Uma Thurman in Kill Bill."]

Despite his turbulent personal life, Madsen remained a respected figure in Hollywood. His representatives praised his recent creative resurgence, stating, “Michael was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”

Final Years
In his final interview, Madsen reflected on his career and grief over Hudson’s death: “I didn’t see any signs of depression. It’s mind-blowing—I just can’t grasp what happened.”

[IMAGE: Madsen at a 2003 premiere, caption: "Madsen with Tarantino and Uma Thurman in 2003."]

Fans and colleagues remember Madsen for his intense performances and indelible impact on cinema. Tributes continue to pour in, honoring his legacy as a Hollywood rebel.

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