Michael Madsen, Star of Kill Bill and Reservoir Dogs, Passes Away at 66

Michael Madsen Passes Away at Age 66

Michael Madsen, renowned for his intense roles in Quentin Tarantino’s films like *Reservoir Dogs* and *Kill Bill*, has reportedly passed away. He was 66 years old.

Circumstances Surrounding His Death

Authorities discovered Madsen unresponsive in his Malibu residence on Thursday morning. According to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Commander Christopher Jauregui, he was pronounced dead shortly after. Initial reports suggest he died of natural causes, with his manager Ron Smith indicating that cardiac arrest was likely the reason.

A Versatile Career

Madsen’s expansive career includes over 300 credits dating back to the early 1980s, often in low-budget films. His most iconic moment, however, might be his chilling performance as Mr. Blonde in *Reservoir Dogs*, where he infamously tortured a police officer while dancing to “Stuck in the Middle with You.”

He was a regular in Tarantino’s works, also featuring in the *Kill Bill* series and *The Hateful Eight*.

Recent Projects

In a statement, his managers expressed that Madsen had been actively involved in independent films over the last two years, with upcoming features including *Resurrection Road*, *Concessions*, and *Cookbook for Southern Housewives*. They described him as “one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”

Reflecting on His Journey

During a handprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in November 2020, Madsen shared his reflections on his journey to Hollywood. He mentioned the uncertainty he faced in the early 1980s, contemplating various careers before eventually finding success in acting.

“I could have been a bricklayer. I could have been an architect. I could have been a garbage man. I could have been nothing. But I got lucky. I got lucky as an actor.”