'Reservoir Dogs' Actor Michael Madsen Dies

Thursday, July 03, 2025

The actor Michael Madsen has died aged 67 at his home in Malibu, according to authorities and his representatives. No foul play is suspected. Over a four-decade career, Madsen had won acclaim for his portrayals of often enigmatic and frequently wise-cracking tough guys in films including Kill Bill: Vol. 1, Reservoir Dogs, Thelma & Louise and Donnie Brasco. He also features in later Tarantino films including The Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Other credits among the 346 listed on IMDb include The Doors, Free Willy, Species, Die Another Day, Sin City and Scary Movie 4.

Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 09:30 PM | 3 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

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Madsen missed out on a number of significant film roles which might have expanded the scope of his career, including the lead in LA Confidential. Speaking to the Guardian in 2004, he expressed frustration with some fellow film-makers for passing him over, as well as what he perceived as a wider lack of care within the industry.

"When I was really down and out," he said, "and I was just ready to flatline, you would think that an element of Hollywood would try to hold you up, just keep you going. I mean, everybody pretty much knows that I'm a father. A lot of people have made a lot of money with me involved in their projects, so if only for that reason. But no -- nothing was happening."

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Incredibly believable in so many roles.

Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter in 2018, Madsen spoke about his industry typecasting, calling fame "a two-edged sword. There are a lot of blessings but also a lot of heavy things that come with it. I think it has a lot to do with the characters I've played. I think I've been more believable than I should have been. I think people really fear me. They see me and go: Holy ----, there's that guy!'

"But I'm not that guy. I'm just an actor. I'm a father, I've got seven children. I'm married, I've been married 20 years. When I'm not making a movie, I'm home, in pajamas, watching The Rifleman on TV, hopefully with my 12-year-old making me a cheeseburger. I sure as ---- had my rabble-rousing days, but sooner or later you have to get over that and move on."

RIP

#1 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2025-07-03 02:18 PM | Reply

With his looks, he was never going to be leading man material.
Yeah, maybe too convincing in Reservoir Dogs. I have fond memories of doing an ear reconstruction case and "Stuck In The Middle With You" came up on the stereo. I laughed out loud.
That said, if he could afford 7 kids and maintain a house in Malibu, he must have been doing something right.
RIP, Bud.

#2 | Posted by morris at 2025-07-03 03:07 PM | Reply

His most underrated role. youtu.be

#3 | Posted by Miranda7 at 2025-07-04 01:59 AM | Reply