LAST UPDATE | 3 Jul 2025

MICHAEL MADSEN, WHO starred in a number of Quentin Tarantino films including Kill Bill and Reservoir Dogs, has died aged 67.

The Chicago-born actor died from cardiac arrest, according to his manager Ron Smith.

A statement from Smith and another manager, Susan Ferris, along with publicist Liz Rodriguez to NBC News said:

“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. Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”

In an expansive four-decade career, Madsen starred in a long list of well known and independent films. 

Michael Madsen in Reservoir Dogs. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

He was best known for his work with director Quentin Tarantino, who cast him as a psychotic thief in Reservoir Dogs and a washed-up hitman in Kill Bill. He also featured in The Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Madsen also starred in Donnie Brasco, Thelma and Louise, Die Another Day, Money for Nothing and Sin City.

His prolific career saw him play more than 300 roles over the course of 40 years.