In Memoriam: Iconic Actor "Michael Madsen" Dies At 67

Michael Madsen, who worked frequently with director Quentin Tarantino and appeared in various acclaimed films from the 1980s onward, has died, according to his publicist Liz Rodriguez. He was 67.

Rodriguez told in a statement that Madsen had a cardiac arrest and was found unresponsive in his Malibu home Thursday morning.

"Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many," said a joint statement from his managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith of Bohemia Entertainment and Rodriguez.

Sgt. Christopher Jauregui, watch commander for Los Angeles Sheriff Department Lost Hills Station confirmed that deputies responded to Madsen’s home in Malibu this morning and found him “unresponsive." He was pronounced dead at 8:25 a.m. local time and no foul play is suspected, Jauregui added. Madsen was a prolific dramatic actor who was best known for his work in several of Tarantino’s films, including "Reservoir Dogs," "Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood" and the "Kill Bill" films.

Famously known for his stony looks and calm, sometimes menacing demeanor, Madsen could play a menacing villain as well as a protagonist, as seen in 199's "Species."

Having gotten his start in TV in the early '80s – an early role on 'St. Elsewhere in 1983 first put him on the map – Madsen soon transitioned to films, where he made an impression in 1991's Ridley Scott-directed hit "Thelma & Louise," in which he played Louise's (Susan Sarandon) put-upon love interest Jimmy. The next year saw his first collaboration with Tarantino in  "Reservoir Dogs," the uber-violent ensemble piece in which Madsen played Mr. Blonde.

Thus began a prolific time for the actor – who appeared in primarily action films along with westerns like 1994’s "Wyatt Earp." While much of Madsen’s oeuvre strayed into B-movie territory, he continued to appear in higher profile hits as well, such as "Donnie Brasco" in 1997, the James Bond film "Die Another Day" in 2002, and 2005's "Sin City."

Madsen's knack for demented villains was perfected in his portrayal of Sidewinder in the "Kill Bill" franchise, one of the foes Uma Thurman’s Bride must vanquish before defeating her main nemesis. The films were split into two volumes in 2003 and 2004. Other roles in which he shined include 2004’s noir western “Renegade” and “The Hateful Eight,” another Tarantino film, from 2015.

Madsen’s off-screen life was marked by some legal and personal troubles. Last year, he was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery misdemeanor after a dispute with his wife DeAnna Madsen. The actor filed for divorce from DeAnna Madsen one month later.

In 2019, Madsen was arrested for DUI, his second within 10 years, and in 2012, was arrested following a physical altercation with his then-teenage son.

With over 320 credits to his name, Madsen also had a whopping 18 titles in development at the time of his death.

In the statement from his representatives following his death, they said Madsen had been “doing some incredible work with independent film including upcoming feature films ‘Resurrection Road’, ‘Concessions’ and ‘Cookbook for Southern Housewives.’”